PPP Regime Vindicated, OJ Scolds APRC On Corruption
The interim leader and former minister of the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, Omar Jallow (alias OJ) has said that the former regime members stand vindicated because of the high level of corruption in The Gambia today.
He said when the military junta toppled the PPP government; they claimed to be soldiers with a difference who had come to wage war on corruption only to unleash rampant and endemic corruption in the country. "We were arraigned before a bogus and kangaroos commission for eleven months, but we were vindicated and Jammeh government refused to publish the findings of the commission because the entire allegations leveled against us were found to be false. The government has even refused to make the report available to our lawyers to allow them make any objection to the recommendations, which has violated Decree 25."
The irony of it all, according to Omar Jallow, is the claim that only 20 million dalasi were embezzled during the 30-year-old rule of PPP but Jammeh’s ten years of leadership has seen seven public officials stashing away millions of dollars, citing the case of Ebou Jallow, the former junta spokesperson who ran away with three million dollars during the early days of the military rule.
"Since 1994, there has been a total breakdown in the financial delivery system. So the so-called Paul Commission is a total whitewash that aims to distract public attention from President Jammeh’s bad governance," he said, adding that the Jammeh administration has succeeded in entrenching and institutionalizing corruption as evidenced by the findings of both the Paul and Gamtel Commissions.
Unlike the PPP, Jallow stressed, the APRC had been dealing with international crooks like Babanding Futanka Sissoho mainly to smear The Gambia’s international credentials.
He also took the Jammeh regime to task on the unlawful killing of demonstrating students on April 10 and 11. "14 innocent children including a journalist, Omar Barrow, were gunned down in broad day light and the government refused to bring those responsible to justice. Unless there is justice, there cannot be any reconciliation," he said. He blamed what he called despotism, arrogance and the insincerity of the APRC government to the plight of the Gambian people, resulting to the passing of a law to indemnify perpetrators of these atrocities. "This must be investigated and let justice take its course otherwise the dark days will prolong."
OJ said the only way for Jammeh to build public confidence is to tell Gambians how he had acquired his assets. Like any public official, Jallow said, Jammeh who is paid from the taxpayers’ money, should be accountable to the people. "How on earth can a soldier president who has not inherited a dime to get rich within ten years. Jammeh has not inherited a single penny or asset from his parents," he alleged.
Mr. Jallow also blamed the APRC for failing to address the plight of farmers by not effecting the buying of groundnuts. "How can they abandon such an important sector of development. The government is supposed to be a solution to people’s problems but APRC is a total problem in itself."
He finally predicted a landslide victory for the new coalition which he said has come to salvage Gambian people in 2006. "NADD will wipe away corruption, despotism, lack of good governance, insecurity and abject poverty as well as usher in a new lease of life for Gambian people."
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Juwara Hits At Churchill, Says NADD Has Future
by Alieu Darboe
The leader of National Democratic Action Movement, NDAM, has said that contrary to the claims made by the majority of the national assembly, the future holds bright for National Alliance for Democracy and Development, NADD.
Juwara described as unfounded and baseless the claims made by Churchill Baldeh that NADD has no future.
Speaking to our reporter in his Brikama residence, Juwara said, "In actual fact, it is the APRC and its administration that has no future. Their days are numbered because a dictators cannot be sustainable. The fact that Churchill said Gambians are free to change the APRC from power through the ballot box clearly indicates that he knows that power lies in the hands of people and not President Yahyha Jammeh, despite enforcing all kinds of obnoxious laws to make himself an absolute ruler," he said.
Going by the election trend, Juwara noted, it is foolish for Churchill to predict a 75% victory for APRC in 2006 after all the party has not performed well in the last presidential elections. "The APRC won by 56% in 1996 but this was reduced to 52% in 2001 and as a matter of fact the party which felt threatened, decided to legalize simple majority in the constitution. This amendment which was designed to split the opposition parties, gave birth to the creation of NADD. We will all rally behind a single candidate to dislodge Jammeh from power. This is why majority of APRC member are scared by NADD."
There is nothing left when you properly analysis APRC as a party, most of President Jammeh’s prominent and strong politicians are either in jail, in disgrace or in exile. As an administration, the APRC’s instability is unprecedented because within ten years, Jammeh has hired and fired over hundred cabinet ranking secretaries of state. There is something fundamentally wrong with APRC administration because Jammeh hires people into his cabinet who do not belong to his party.
According to the fierce politician, you can only do that when you don’t have any political and ideological orientation, highlighting that any practicing politician that has no ideological orientation is as good as drunken driver and that is why for the majority leader to talk about progress in education, health, agriculture and other sectors is like day dreaming. When was the Minister of Health and Agriculture fired. A Government that cannot even organise a trade season, how can you talk about progress in the Agriculture sector.
Commenting on the Paul Commission, the former Niamina Dankunku strong man said is a coup detat against the APRC government by the APRC is self saying that Jammeh has failed to appear before the commission and that his discredited the findings of the commission. How can Ali Baba make his forty thieves accountable when he himself is not accountable. This is like the pot calling the kettle black. Gambians will not vote for a corrupt administration that is only interested in embezzling millions of state fund. Calling on Gambians to vote for NADD and rally behind the credible oppositions like the face of Hamat Bah, Halifa, Sidia, Ousainou Darboe, OJ who are ready to fight for their country and die for their country.
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NIA Takes Over Independent Arson Cases
by Sulayman Makalo
The two cases of arson attacks on the properties of The Independent Media Company handled by the police over a year ago without any clue despite the naming of some of the suspects at the National Assembly by Honourable Hamat Bah has now been transferred to the National Intelligent Agency (NIA), according to reliable Police sources.
Police sources said the cases of the attacks meted out on the company properties are now transferred to the Intelligence bureau for proper investigation as the police were unable to unearth anything. Some said the transferring of the cases came following the government's learning that the proprietors of The Independent have taken the case of the burning down of their printing press before the International courts while others said the taking over of investigation of the murder of Deyda Hydara the former Managing Editor of the Point newspaper and correspondent for the French news agency AFP led to the taking over. "We definitely owe an explanation and an apology to the Gambian people for failing our duties," they opined.
An Intelligence source contacted by The Independent confirmed the transfer of the cases to them by the police. He said the police failed to arrest the suspected arsonists Corporal Sana Majang and Sheriff Gisseh named at the National Assembly for questioning. "Something is holding back the police team of investigators to get to the clue of the unresolved arson cases," he said stopping short to rhetorically ask and cast doubt whether the Intelligence bureau will also get to the bottom of the matter. Asked whether they have questioned the suspected arsonists named at the National Assembly by Honourable Bah, the Intelligent source again stop short to say that their investigations are still going on.
However, when contacted for verification of the transfer of the two arson cases to the NIA, the police Public Relations Officer ASP Aziz Bojang declined to comment. "I don’t know. I prefer not to say anything about the arson cases. The suffering and the humiliation we faced since the arsons attacks is ok."
The Independent offices suffered a midnight arson attack on the 17th October 2003, orchestrated by individuals connected to men consequence and perpetrated by a gang of three that left the offices partly damaged, causing complete disruption to editorial works. Again on Tuesday April 13 2004, sis armed anarchists seemingly playing by the script of a gory Hollywood movie burst upon the company’s press house in Kanifing in the wee hours while nine affable and innocent men were busied printing and compiling an edition of the paper intended for the post Easter week. The men eventually destroyed a D1.3 million printing machine. The duo editors earlier on cast aspersions on the state for presiding over the kind of security lapses that led to the attacks.
Reacting to the shift, Musa Saidykhan, editor-in-chief of The Independent Newspaper said, "Well it is a question of wait and see, as the saying goes time never keeps a secret. So time will tell how far they will prove themselves in their investigations. We will be monitoring developments as we go along. The solution goes beyond merely transferring the case, I believe commitment to investigations is what matters. So how committed are they?" asked Mr. Saidykhan.
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‘I did not steal’, Leigh insists
Reacting to the front page story we ran on him last Friday, the former director of technical services at the Department of State for Works, Mustapha Leigh has denied stealing money from the government coffers.
"I did not steal any money from the government coffers. The commission has only made recommendations after probing into the assets of civil servants. So it’s not fair to publish that I have stolen money from the government coffers," furious-looking Leigh told The Independent.
Reacting further, Leigh denied owning compounds in Brussubi and Bakoteh as reported. "In fact, I have not received any letter to say that my properties have been forfeited," he said, adding that he had appeared only once before the Paul Commission as a witness and not an accused person. The former technical director also denied being invited at the National Intelligence Agency after he had appeared before the commission. Rather, he said, the NIA invited him few months before the commission kicked off.
He said the story has succeeded in tarnishing his character. However, he did not deny being asked to pay D2.1 million. "The language is the problem, I have not been asked to cough out," he said.
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High Infant/Maternal Deaths Worry SoS for Health
by Fatou Badjie
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tamsir Mbowe has expressed worry about high maternal and infant mortality rates in The Gambia.
The latest statistics estimated the national maternal mortality ratio at 730 and 495 per every 100,000 live births for rural and urban areas respectively.
In his remarks on the occasion of the World Health Day commemoration at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding, Dr Mbowe said although the figure is below many sub-Saharan countries, however there should be no room for complacency. SoS Mbowe said the lifetime risk of maternal death in The Gambia is one in every 23. Of utmost concern to SoS Mbowe is the fact that Gambian woman is 120 times at a higher risk than a woman in the developed world.
He said most women in the developing countries like The Gambia who often limp with poor health at the same time overburdened with work are anaemic. "Many women in developing countries suffer from malnutrition, parasitism, chronic ill-health from lack of personal attention and adequate healthcare, especially during pregnancy and child birth," he said disclosing that at least 10.6 million children die each year despite progress being made to reduce maternal and child mortality ratio worldwide.
The Health Secretary also stated that weakness in preventive services and delays when obstetric emergencies arise are formidable pathways to maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. "Anaemia before and during pregnancy is common in The Gambia and often its management is inadequate. Lack of readily available blood in times of emergencies is a common phenomenon leading to many maternal deaths," he told his audience.
However, according to SoS Mbowe, there has been a shift from the provision of maternal and child health/family planning to broad base reproductive health services. Consequently, he added, the immunization coverage of children under one year of age has steadily increased from 68.6 to 72.8% in 2002.
He said that despite faced with numerous health problems there is light at the end of the tunnel, as the World Health Organization Africa Region has certified The Gambia a polio-free country. Maternal and neonatal tetanus, he further disclosed, has also been eliminated in The Gambia.
Dr Mbowe revealed that government developing a roadmap as a way of accelerating the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. This initiative, he added, pays specific attention to the improvement of knowledge and skills of health workers in early detection and management of complications in pregnancy, delivery and childhood." He finally noted that this will educate women and their families about their mothers and children so that they understand appropriate actions that are needed when danger signals are received.
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Mayor’s Brother Shot Wife To Death
The brother to the mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council and former chief security at the Gambia National Lottery, Sulayman Conteh is reported to have shot dead his wife on Thursday night. According to sources, the said incident took place in Tallinding.
The dead wife, Sireh Bojang was reported to have clashed with Sulayman, an ex-soldier who shot her twice and sliced her body into pieces. "The neighbours woke up but Sulayman threatened them with shooting," said a source. It was then the police were called but they too were afraid to arrest him and decided to alert military officers who came to forcefully arrest him.
He was taken to the police while Sireh Bojang’s body was escorted to the hospital for post-mortem examinations.
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In Support Of Civil Service Reform
It is good that the Inspector General of Police, Major Ousman Sonko has call spade a spade by concurring that standards have fallen within our police force.
This is what we expect from people who are in the apex levels of public institutions. Be bold enough and sound your opinion publicly, especially on crucial issues.
The police is a very vital institution in every democratic and civilized society, The Gambia being no exception. This is why it is paramount for our police officers to stick to the laws of the constitution in the due execution of their duties. They are our servants who should desist from violating our rights, especially in public.
Who says the Gambian police has not recorded some successes? It would be unfair to say that they have not achieved anything when they keep tracking down insidious operatives who attack people at night as well as steal their properties.
However, the saddest thing is their failure to arrest or apprehend those who use the cover of the night to unleash arson attacks on innocent Gambians, in particular, media professionals.
But why did a highly professional body like the police has allowed its standard to fall or let loose. This is what the public needs to know and make comments where necessary. there can be other reasons but the most fundamental has to do with the meager salaries they are paid for. These are the people who remain under the hot sun or stand for 24 hours holding heavy arms and ammunitions. Like any other civil servants, they are paid a mere pittance.
A banker once asked why the government should even post the salaries of junior security officers knowing fully the meager salary they paid them. Left to the discretion of the said banker, those who receive below one thousand Dalasi be paid at the counter. "Transferring their salaries to the bank further subjects them to destitution at the same time cause burden for us," he said.
Just take a stroll to the banks at the end of month, you will be shocked to the teeth when you see our security officers complaining openly about low salaries. The same scenario exists within the government departments and their line ministries. This has resulted in institutionalized, widespread and deep-rooted corruption in the government system. You could hear public or civil servants telling bidders that nothing goes for nothing, implying that they need to be bribed or else they are thrown out. Some even coined a maxim saying, "where you tight a goat is where it survives."
Surely, these unhealthy development is not in the interest of The Gambia and its citizens. We cannot sustain a system that allows few individuals to live at the expense of the masses. For us to accelerate economic development and progress, we need to put in place checks and balances as well as implement the recommendations outlined in the civil service reforms. These include salary increment and strict financial discipline.
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VP Commends African Youth Conference
by Alieu Darboe
The Vice President Madame Isatou Njie Saidy disclosed that the government of The Gambia is keen to associate herself with the first African Youth Conference Against Hunger which was organised by NaYAFS in collaboration with NAS and ActionAid The Gambia.
Declaring the conference open, Madame Njie Saidy, indicated that the conference would enhance closer collaboration between the African youths and other participating youths from other parts of the world.
While indicating that the National Youth Association for Food Security (NAFAFS) in collaboration with their partners, aim to host the first ever African Youth Conference against Hunger, she said the conference which is supposed to coincide with the Global Week of Action scheduled to take place in The Gambia, is a clear manifestation that the government of The Gambia is working hard for the improvement of sufficient food to all in respective of status and locality.
According to her, it is in datum with his excellency’s clarion call for the "Back to the land", noting that a credible youth organisation like the National Youth Association for Food Security has already answered to the call. She noted that government would not spare to support NAYAFS and other interesting organisations, which are to lead the call for food security.
Speaking earlier, Alhagie Kebbeh Director NAYAFS, underscored the importance of the forum, noting that the First African Youth Conference against hunger emanated from the World Social Forum held in February this year, in Brazil.
This conference aims to assess the progress made on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on hunger i.e., to reduce hunger and cut the world hungry population to half by year 2015. It also aims to prepare young people to attend the review of the MDGs in New York in September 2005.
The conference covers topics like HIV/AIDS and food security, the role of youth in family education, media as a technology for food security HIV/AIDS and agriculture, trade, MDG and other issues.
Dr Jah Jnr, Dr Mamo Jawla, Cherno A Jallow, Alieu Sanyang, Sheikh Omar Dibba, Lamin Ceesay, Santa Yalla, Saihou Ceesay NAS, Amat Bat NANA Dominic Mendy all served as resource persons for the conference.
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Workshop For Fresh Solar Cooking Technology
by Sean Blaschke
On April 6th 2005, Christine Danton, Program Director for Solar Household Energy (SHE), visited The Gambia for a one-week fact-finding and sensitisation mission. SHE is a US-based non-profit making organization that works with entrepreneurs and NGOs in the developing world to leverage solar cooking technology. This adds quality to life and relieve stress on the environment.
"One-third of the world’s population relies on fuel wood for cooking," said Denton. "However, the costs of such usage are extremely high and unsustainable. Overuse can lead to rampant deforestation, economic hardship and acute health problems." She’s latest innovation is the Hot Pot, based on a simple ‘panel’ oven designed by Dr. Roger Bernard and refined by engineers at the Florida Solar Energy Center and Energy Laboratories Inc. The Hot Pot is currently manufactured in Mexico and is priced at around 900 Dalasis.
"In the Gambia, 97% of energy in The Gambia comes from wood. With the rapid expansion of urban population, huge pressure is being put on The Gambia’s forest resources. In ten years, there’s going to be no wood left in the Gambia. The Hot Pot solar cooker provides a long awaited alternative," said Rodney Stubbing, Assistant Peace Corps Director.
Indoor air pollution, caused through the inhalation of smoke from wood fires, was recently noted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the largest threats to women in developing countries where respiratory diseases are common. The technology used with the Hot Pot effectively eliminates this problem.
SHE held a series of demonstrations between April 6th and April 11 in the Kombos with Peace Corps, one of their primary collaborators in the Gambia, as well as Concern Universal, Gambian Horticultural Enterprise (GHE), local businessmen and potential distributors.
"We are working to introduce the technology through trainings in order to allow people to decide. if the HotPot is appropriate for their needs. If there is a demand for this technology in theGambia, we would like to work with local businessmen and help them import, market and sell
the HotPots," said Danton. Recent trials in the Gambia demonstrated how many popular foods can easily be cooked using the Hot Pot. In one-to-two hours, soups, sauces, eggs, rice, fish, and vegetables can be cooked while potatoes, chicken, meats, stews and bread are usually ready within three-to-four hours. Peace Corps is planning on holding additional demonstrations to encourage distributors to import the HotPots into the Gambia." Solar energy is free, preserving users’ limited financial resources," stated Stubina. "The time women must devote to foraging firewood can be spent more productively while reducing dependence on dwindling forest resources and halting environmental degradation."
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Taiwanese Naval Ships Visit The Gambia
Two naval vessels from Taiwan will today Monday visit The Gambia, as part of a global training and goodwill cruise. This will be the first time the Taiwanese Navy ships have ever visited The Gambia.
The Midshipmen Cruising and Training Squadron of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, ROCN, comprising one frigate and one logistic support vessel with 525 officers and midshipmen on board, will visit The Gambia from April 18 to 21, 2005. They are scheduled to arrive at Banjul Port in the evening of April 18, 2005 and depart in the morning of April 21, 2005.
With a view to enhancing mutual friendship and understanding, the squadron will welcome the Gambian general public to visit on board the two military vessels from 0900 to 1700 on April 19 and 20. Guards of honor, the physical arts team and the military band of the squadron will be arranged to put up a performance at July 22nd Square at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon of April 19. The general public is welcome to watch the performance.
The ship visit is part of an exchange programme with the Gambian Armed forces. While in the country, the Commanding Officer, Rear Admiral Bao-Hwa Fan, accompanied by Taiwanese Ambassador Patrick Chang, will call on Chief of Defense Staff, Permanent Secretary of the Department of State for Defense, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and are expected to be granted audiences by the Vice President and the President.
During the visit, the Taiwanese officers and sailors will also have the opportunity to learn more about The Gambia and experience its unique culture. A tour is planned for them, including visits to the National Museum, Crocodile Pond, Tanji Village Museum and other tourist resorts.
For welcoming and introducing these soldiers from Taiwan to the local people, Taiwanese Ambassador Patrick Chang will host a reception in their honor. The Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Fan joined by Ambassador Chang will also host a party on board the ship for further enhancement of mutual understanding between The Gambia and Taiwan.
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Guinea To Join WAIFEM – Says DG Christ
by Alieu Darboe
Dr. Chris O. Itsede, the Director General of West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) in an exclusive interview with The Independent has said that the republic of Guinea Conakry will join WAIFEM inorder to participate fully on the implementation of WAIFEM in the sub-region.
According to Dr. Chris, the Board of Governors of WAIFEM has invited Guinea Conakry to become a member of the institute as a result of the move towards the establishment of common Central Bank, noting that WAIFEM is doing all necessary arrangements with Guinea to join as a member to the regional body. He said the invitation came at a time when Guinea and other West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) member states are working for the establishment and sustainability of the ECO currency to be launch sometime this year inorder to provide a meaningful currency for the countries concern to the ECO dream that has now come as a reality.
Accordingly, Director General Chris said that the participation of Guinea will create an opportunity, to support to WAIFEM in reaching its objectives. He further told The Independent that Guinea despite being a French speaking country, has a role to play at WAIFEM and that is the reason my institute wasted no time in inviting them to be members and we are hopeful that they will join since the authorities are always in touch with us on the matter, which is for our common good as West African.
He said Guinea participation will provide opportunities and build lasting friendships, which would undoubtedly go a long way in fostering the integration of the sub-region on the workshop, he said that WAIFEM is a sub-regional capacity building institution, that caters for the effective micro management saying that the launching of a permanent currency for West Africa requires a lot of harmonization of economic policy and the improvement of the micro economic management by the integrating countries. So to this effect, WAIFEM is very crucial to ensuring the advent of the common currency sustaining the stability of that currency after it has been launch. He said it also require the micro economic management to manage the financial assistant very effectively and to this effect, WAIFEM has programmes design to improve micro economic management, financial sector management including payments and balance compilation which is a key factor for the workshop.
He finally said that the media are seen as collaborators and partners with WAIFEM that is why we have a special programme and training for media inorder to report accurately on the mission and aims and objectives of WAIFEM in the sub-region.
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Letter To All Compatriot Gambians
by Omar Joof
As we commemorate the fifth year massacre of peacefully demonstrating Gambian students, I most respectfully beg you to render prayers for the souls of our fallen comrades, and make efforts towards the betterment of the conditions of victims of the episode living amongst us.
Our fallen comrades deserve prayers in all churches and mosques in The Gambia because they rank among the most selfless advocates of Truth and Justice that our motherland has ever seen. Truth and Justice are indeed virtues to be found in the principle teachings of all world religions. On the other hand, the traditional values embedded in our indigenous cultures are emphatic about " Telling The Truth at all times and acting in fairness". Truth is fundamental to the dispensation of justice in any society. People who lack the ability to tell the truth will soon find themselves at odds with natural justices, and there will follow a disintegration of the moral fabric of society. Those who lay down their lives in a selfless struggle for Truth and Justice therefore deserve our prayers.
It is pathetic to note that the victims of April 10th/11th 2000 are deprived of critical state assistance by the authorities in Banjul. I avail myself of this solemn occasion to condemn this callous behaviour of a government that pretends to represent the interests of all Gambians without distinction. Those in authority should be reminded that they are paid servants of the people, and Gambians have the right to benefit from national resources notwithstanding whatever opinion they may have manifested. The Gambia government has turned a blind eye to the sufferings of victims of April 10th/11th 2000, and yet its agents talk about reconciliation. I hereby appeal to all Gambians at home and abroad to come forward and assist these gallant advocates of Truth and Justice. Indeed mention should be made of the case of Yusupha Mbaye who languishes in a hospital bed in Banjul, denied of the critical medical attention he urgently needs. Yusupha simply requires reference from a medical doctor in Banjul in order to be treated in the United States.
For five years, the government of the Gambia under the leadership of president Yahya Jammeh has refused to embrace the truth about April 10th/11th 2000. Instead, they have indulged in scandalous misinformation to tarnish the image of the student leadership of the day. With all the resources at their disposal, they have miserably failed to convince even some of their own friends, that the student leadership should in anyway be blamed for the mayhem. It is obvious to all that in his capacity as commander-in-chief of The Gambia’s Armed Forces, president Jammeh is the depository of the order which led the security forces to shoot at us with their lethal weapons five years ago. Thus, I avail myself of this solemn occasion to publicly blame him for the killing and maiming of our comrades, the gallant advocates of Truth and Justice. President Jammeh has his hands stained with blood of the innocent, and like all persons under such circumstances, he urgently needs to show remorse and publicly render apology to the nation. We are persons of faith, and we believe it is never too late for any person to redeem him or herself.
It is now obvious to all that contrary to what the government of The Gambia has been spreading around, April 10th/11th 2000 was an action designed to put pressure on the police so that they could expedite the dispensation of justice with regard one of our colleagues. Ebrima Barry was tortured by officers at the fire and ambulance service offices in Brikama and he died the following day. In view of the officers involved, and after a series of interactions with police headquarters in Banjul, we had no doubts that some senior officers were extending solidarity to the culprits. In this light, and after having exhausted all available means of resolving the police inaction, we determined to put pressure on them through a peaceful demonstration.
However, our action to redress the death of one of us resulted in the deaths of more than ten of us. I have no doubts that the number of fatalities as published by even Amnesty International, was very likely on the low side. There have not been vigorous follow-ups to ensure that those hospitalized actually recovered from their injuries and returned home. It is therefore possible that the number of persons, who died during the two days and thereafter, exceeded fourteen.
Most regrettably, the current student leadership in The Gambia has in a very inappropriate manner, embraced the Government of President Yahya Jammeh in what they call a reconciliation. The student leadership has further declared the APRC government "a partner in development."
The very substance of their accommodation defies the meaning of the word reconciliation. A reconciliation connotes parties in a dispute abandoning previously held positions to generate a less confrontational and belicose posture towards each other. The spirit of give and take is fundamental in this regard. A student leadership that is conscious of its duties would have, without doubts, taken into cognizance the realities that obtained at the commencement of the dispute. In this connection, the welfare of the victims of April 10th/11th 2000 should have been central to any meaningful reconciliation. A reconciliation process which fails to recognize even the presence of these victims, is a sham! Indeed what now obtains between the current leadership of GAMSU and the government of president Jammeh can best be described as a sell-out!
In the past, while at the helm of the national student movement (GAMSU), we had argued that we couldn’t always be friends or enemies with any government. This emanates from the fact that while parties that form governments in democracies indulge in partisan politics, our business as student activists is non-partisan politics. It is only natural that we should be in step with them sometimes, and otherwise at others. This is good for good governance and protecting the special interests of students and the national student movement. But a partnership with government connotes a proximity, which can only lead to manipulation, and without doubt it will undermine the integrity of the student movement. It could also lead to politicization of the student movement, which would be characterized by fragmentation of the movement into factions representing the various political formations in the country. This would tremendously diminish the strength of the union. And more importantly, a partnership with a government which presided over the massacre of our own brothers; rejected the recommendations of the Commission of Enquiries into the April 10th/11th 2000 demonstrations; and made deliberate and elaborate efforts to indemnify the culprits who pulled the trigger on us, is to say the least, disgraceful!
The current student leadership has amply manifested its lack of conviction to adhere to the mantra of the student movement. President Jammeh and the administration he leads on the other hand, have publicly demonstrated their tacit support for the banditry, brutality and criminality meted out against us five years. It is now time to move ahead!
In this connection, I have this message for the more than fifty thousand students who demonstrated throughout The Gambia on the 10th and 11th of April 2000:
My dear brothers and sisters, I urge you all not to give up the struggle for Truth and Justice. This is indeed opportune moments to have our grievances redressed. Presently, the vast majority of us have attained the age of eighteen. I urge you all to take the vote and vote as a block to determine the outcomes of the 2006 Presidential and Parliamentary elections in The Gambia. President Jammeh and his government has hurt and abused us. It is about time we teach them a lesson that would also serve as a clear warning to other politicians. Let us all resolve to vote them out in 2006. In this connection, I give you our battle cry, which shall be, " VOTE THEM OUT!" Towards this end, I most respectfully invite all Gambians and friends of The Gambia.
To you dearest mothers and fathers who have loved ones maimed for life or callously taken away from you forever, I beg for your patience. I shall never turn my back on you; and shall never betray my comrades.
I remain forever in the struggle for Truth and Justice.
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Talk All Leave None
with Khadija
Physical Planning Unit Again
Grapevine was pleased to receive a fax from overseas in connection with one of our stories about the Physical Planning Unit of the Department of State for Local Government. Full text of the fax reads: -
" In The Independent 4-7 April 2005, Grapevine is concerned about the lack of controlling of houses under construction according to the laws of the country.
Rich builders are constructing two, three or even four storey buildings without having a building permit or without following the building laws of the country.
One storey building may be close to the neighbour’s fence, but a two or three storey building should be some meters away from the fence to prevent disturbing the privacy of the family life in the neighbour’s compound.
The building laws of the country are there to secure a good building environment for everybody. Earlier the officials in Physical Planning and Housing stopped illegal buildings. They even bulldozed down constructions that were built illegally.
It seems that such control no longer exists as we can see several houses being built in a very disturbing way for the neighbours. The houses are too high or too close to the neighbours.
For us and for the future generations we should take care to create a good building environment. For ours and for our grandchildren’s sake we wish the office of the physical planning and housing should sharpen their control of houses under construction".
Mobile
Phones
Many people are with the opinion that mobile phones are connected to tumors, which causes cancer of the brain. A Danish research carried out in 13 countries, during which thousands of people were interviewed and test carried out, showed that it is not truth that mobile phones cause damage to the brain. But the same research recommended that children between the ages of five (5) and 12 should not be using this facility continuously. This was broadcast over the BBC.
Here in The Gambia, the problem is that this facility at times disturbs others while they are concentrating on important matters: they disturb prayers in the mosques, churches and other gatherings. It is not the facility as such, but the people who carry them around. Is it that they want to show off that they can afford a mobile? Please lets use these gadgets wisely.
Traffic –Some Improvements
We have seen that the traffic lights by the Kombo Station are very important in controlling the traffic along Kairaba Avenue and the surrounding roads. There are fewer accidents. As a result of the success of this project, Grapevine feels that the same should be done at the Kotu Police Post, Westfield Junction and the Jimpex Road Junction. These places are very busy during rush hours.
Another problem on our roads are these so-called "sleeping policemen", which are constructed so that reckless drivers cannot use our roads as a racetrack. But some of these are so high, that they instead cause problems for motorists whose vehicles are very low. These motorists pay insurance, road tax and license not to damage their vehicles.
We have seen "sleeping policemen" in other countries, and the way they are constructed is better off than ours.
Independent Not
Independence
Many people pronounce these words wrongly or may be they do not know the meaning of the words. For example our newspaper is The Independent, but some people call it The Independence. I wonder why?
Even for the Stadium, some people called it Independent Stadium when it is Independence Stadium.
Corruption – Will It Go Away Or Stay?
Grapevine has noticed that the war against corruption is going on, but this war "waged" against the so-called senior citizens, or people who hold or held high positions. This war should be carried on to others, like the traffic policemen and others who collect dues from drivers.
Just recently, by the tipper garage, a traffic policeman stopped a driver and demanded his documents, which were produced and everything was in order. Then the policeman asked for the registration plate. The driver explained that the rear one was broken and as a result he painted the number on – and it was quit visible. He even told the police that he had gone for a new one but that the plates were not available.
The policeman then said that he was going to park the vehicle at the Serrekunda police until the plates are produced. On the way to the police station, the driver offered the policemen D50, which he accepted and then let him go.
Are these policemen on our streets working for their pockets or they are there to enforce the laws, and see that pedestrians are safe?
Even at the Kanifing Magistrate Court, a gentleman was charged D500 for the copy of a judgment, but when he was handed the official receipt he found out that the official cost was less than what he gave. He then demanded the balance of the money, which the official could not produced as he gave D50 to the lady responsible for the judgment
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SCB, Gamcel And Al Kharafi Donate To LOC
by Sainabou Kujabi
The Local Organising Committee for the CAF U-17 finals in The Gambia has continued to recieve more funds from companies, few weeks ahead of the event. The latest to donate were Standard Chartered Bank, Gamcel and Al Kharafi Group.
While Stanadard Chartered Bank and Gamcel each donated D200, 000, Al Kharafi Group dashed $5, 200 US Dollars.
The chairman of the local organising committee, SoS Samba Faal received the cheques on behalf of his team at the Gambia Football Association secretariat.
In his presentation remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartred Bank for Central and West Africa, said his bank is proud to associate with the organisers in making the much-talk about a success, beleiving that "success in future depends on how we work together as a team".
He said his bank has interest in other sports disciplines such as Marathon and Golf. He cited that his bank has successfully funded the recently ended golf tournament as well as sponsor the sensational Ansu Sowe to participate in The Greatest Race On Earth. "This is a clear manifestation that Gambian youth are full of potentials.
The CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Gambia, Mr. O.J. Mukumba disclosed that his insititution has a lot of surprise packages for the U-17 national squad if they are crowned champions of the scheduled tournament. "We will not stop at donating the Local Organising Committee alone," Makumba assured.
The country director of Al Kharafi Group, Mr. Wolde Mecheal, while presenting the cheque prayed for Gambia's success in the showdown. "I pray that the trophy remains in the country." Al Kharafi director also wished the organisers a success hosting of the tournament.
Deputising for Gamcel director, Pierre Cherry who presented his institutions cheque, promised that Gamcel would soon launch a promotion campaign which would make the GSM services cheaper as well as promote the young squad on their scratch cards.
In his response, SoS Samba Faal who received the cheques, hailed Standard Chartered Bank as one of the leading sponsors of Gambian sports.
He used the occasion to thank the bank for the gesture and also exposing Ansu Sowe to The Greatest Race On Earth.
SoS Faal also thanked Gamcel for being a partner that always respond to their demands at all times. He said concerted efforts are needed for The Gambia to succeed in hosting and organising the continental football carnival.
Turning to Al Kharafi Group, SoS Faal said the institution must also be given tap on the back for its interest in making sure that the tournament becomes a success, a clear manifestation of genuine partnership.
The presentation ceremony was moderated by Bakary Jammeh, chairman Marketing Committee . The occasion was witnessed by Omar Sey, President Gambia Football Association, Jammeh EK Bojang Secretary General GFA, and bankers from SCB.
The Nigerian Supporters Club Set For Gambia 2005
The Nigeria Football Supporters Club , NFSC, theGambia did not wait for the U-17 finals to come and start preparations. Already, the club whose team is also billed to play in the tournament, is in high gears.
Addressing a horde of journalists at a news conference, the vice chairman of the Nigerian community in The Gambia, Mr. Adeyemi Ebenga Jones described the game of football as a source of unity in the world.
For this reason, he added, NFSC would not cheer only their national team alone but that of The Gambia. "The Gambia is our second home whose success, love and sincerity mean a lot to us. We will cheer them to sucess alongside Nigeria."
He informed the gathering about the support being accorded to the supporters club at the Nigeria High Commission in The Gambia. He appealed to both Gambians and Nigerians that they must have at the back of their minds that what ever the results of a match, they must accept in good faith.
Also speaking was the chairman of NFSC, Mr. I.K. Obi who gave a brief background of the club in The Gambia. He added that NFSC was registered in The Gambia in the year 2000 and has since then been well known for its discipline and cheerful nature.
Being the host nation, he said that should enable The Gambia to clinch the trophy. He said his club, which has supportive spirits, intends to form a merger with the Scorpion Fans Club.
To add colour and flavour to their support, he said, a ball juggler from Nigeria who can juggle with a ball for two hours was invited to be part of the entertainment.
The chairman of NFSC, Samuel Obi expressed similar sentiments.
The ceremony, which was chaired by Abdulgafar Oladimeji Secretary Publicity Committee, was attended by prominent dignitaries such as Eluka Nwosu,Public Relations officer of the Nigerian Welfare Association, teachers and students of Nigerian International School and NSFC members.
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Senegambia Tennis Festival Kicks off
by Njonji Drammeh
A two-day tennis competition organised by the manager of Senegambia Beach Hotel recently kicked off at the Senegambia Beach Hotel.
At least 40 participants drawn from different tennis fraternity and tourists participated in the tournament. The clubs that partook are Fajara Tennis, Independence Stadium Tennis and Senegambia Tennis Clubs.
In a chat with the Independent Sports, manager of Fajara Tennis Club, Mr. Robinson said the competition has brought fun and understanding among the tennis fratenity in The Gambia.
Competing for the competition were junior, senior and veteran players. And in the junior category, Nick Oewachter of Fajara emerged. Kelefala Jallow of Independence Stadium came second while Shaddie Mahmoud of Fajara club came third. Sainey Touray of the Independence Club captured the fourth position.
Katir Paine swept the women's category. She was followed by Liz Freesyon, Eva Mattelin and Lucie Wang fourth who captured second, third and fourth positions.
Jonathan Freestone led the men's category. Brendan Bassey, Jimmy-Machin and Mark Harrison followed respectively.
In the senior category, Fanny Kakonge came first while Sharif Sallah Kay Sey and Tijan Senghore came second, third and fourth..
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Queen's Baton Arrives On Wednesday
Queen’s Baton Relay
Banjul Route
At General Post Office SOS Trade and Industry
At Liberation Avenue/Marche Jubo Ms Beatrice Allen
At liberation Avenue/Cameroon Junction Mr Bai Matarr Drammeh Vice Chairman
Gambia Chamber of Commerce
At Liberation Avenue/Picton Street AG.I.B
At Liberation Avenue/Anglesea G.P.A
At Hagan/Cotton Street junction Sierra Leone High Commissioner
At Sierra Leone High Commissioner F.I.B
At Charlie Carrols’s Compound Standard Charted Bank
At Hagan Street/Cameroon Junction G.I.A
At Edward Small Monument Gamtel
At Albion/Allen Street Junction Trust Bank Itd
At Independence Drive {Ex. APRC) Shell Marketing
To BCC for lunch -Lunch 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BCC will carry baton to Denton Bridge
K.M.C. ROUTE
At Denton Bridge KMC
Old Jeshwang Mosque GAMCEL
At K.M.C KMC
At Westfield GPTC
At Ndow’s School GIPZA
At Kotu Silo Africell
At Manjai Police Ghana Consul
At Manjai Lodge MSG
At Kotu Police Senegambia Beach Hotel At Traffic Lights Sahel Investment
To British High Commission
WESTERN DIVISION
RELAY LEG
Abuko Craft Market B,A,C
Holy Rosary Church St,Peter’s Senior School
Lamin Mosque Kombo Kerewan U,B
N,T.C Daranka
Lamin Bakery St, Peter’s Primary
Lamin Petrol Station Banjulinding Primary
St. Peter’s Gate Banjulinding U.B
Mother’s Union Rose Kalley Sen, Sec,Sch
50m before Banjulinding Junction Chief Kombo North/ Commissioner Western Division Banjulinding Junction G.C.A.A
GCCA Headquarters Uunction) SOS for Youth & Sports
Airport Terminal ."....... Vice President C.G.F
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Njau Chief Pressurized To Unseat Hamat
by Habibu Ceesay
Provincial sources indicate that the chief of Njau District, Malick Mbye is allegedly pressurized by the ruling party authorities to put in place strong support for the party in the forthcoming general elections in Upper Saloum Constituency.
Sources added that the APRC is doing everything humanely possible to capture the said seat from Hamat Bah, the leader of the National Reconciliation Party.
"The former chief Omar Ceesay had his services terminated after he failed to capture the seat for the APRC on two occasions," confirmed a source.
The Independent has also been tipped that efforts are under way for the APRC to approve the candidacy of Amulie Janneh, a former minister and parliamentarian in the erstwhile PPP regime. "We believe he is the only person who can grab the seat for us," a ruling party source said.
Mr. Janneh who has joined the ruling APRC is resident in Panchang village where he is allegedly setting stage for a political comeback.
Our reporter could not access Amulie Janneh for comments. However, Chief Malick Mbye denied facing any political pressure from the authorities but he remains upbeat that the APRC will win the seat. "What I know for certain is that NRP must at all cost lose the seat. Hamat will not retain the seat again," he confidently stated.
In a separate development, the head of Senchi Touba village, Musa Maram Ceesay was reportedly sacked last week after he had been branded an opposition sympathizer who had helped Senegalese acquire voter registration cards so that they voted for Hamat Bah.
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Sheikh Lewis, Batch Faye In Court
by Dawda Faye
Sheikh Lewis who has been charged with obtaining money by false pretence on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Mboto of Kanifing. Mr. Lewis appeared with his co-accused Batch Secka.
The police prosecutor, 1748 Mballow told the court that Batch has not been appearing in court for eight months which was why he could not enter into his plea. It was then that Mr. Secka was allowed to take his plea. He pleaded innocence to the charges brought against him.
The police prosecutor applied to the court not to grant Batch Secka bail fearing that he might jump the bail or interfere with the investigations. But this was not granted following an appeal Faye had made. As a civil servant, he appealed, refusal to bail would not be in his favour. "I made statement at the police and was allowed to go on self bail.
At this juncture, Magistrate Mboto who believed that the accused person has a right to bail, decided to order his bail in the sum of D50, 000 with two Gambian sureties who should deposit their ID cards. She warned the accused to always appear in court and avoid interfering with prosecution witnesses.
Mr. Lewis and Secka were accused of jointly conspiring to defraud one Fatou Nyang in the sum of D37, 000 on February 14th this year. While Mr. Lewis was represented by Lawyer Mai Fatty, Batch Secka represented himself.
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Journalists Asked To Join Anti-Torture Campaign
by Buya Jammeh
The executive director of African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, Mrs. Hannah Forster has asked Gambian journalist to join human rights defenders and organizations in condemning as well as investigate torture against innocent citizens in The Gambia.
Mrs. Forster made the remarks while presenting a paper on torture at a day’s workshop organised by Amnesty International for local journalists at GOVI Resource Center in Kanifing on Saturday. As disseminators of information, Mrs. Forster stated, journalists should go extra mile in their efforts to sensitise the public about the trauma caused as a result of torture. The human rights director has also asked media practitioners to join human rights organizations to pressurize The Gambia government to ratify the international convention against torture. "This convention is purposely in place to fight against torture," she told journalists, while expressing concern about what she called alarming rate of torture state officers subject innocent citizens to, although they are yet to be proven guilty by the courts.
Mrs. Forster said the importance of the training cannot be over emphasised which is why the training will be extended to key sectors of society in future.
In response to questions being raised by journalists on reported cases of torture on Dumo Sarho and others who were acquitted and discharged on treason charges, Lawyer Mai Fatty said that the legal team was more interested in winning the case. He said the legal team has proven beyond reasonable doubts the allegations of torture meted out to their clients but the team was not interested in pursuing the case.
Lawyer Fatty described torture as an international crime which is illegal in our domestic laws. He therefore urged security officers to tell suspects why they were arrested or detained before bring take them to the courts of law.
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BCC Mayor Denies Land Dealing
by Sana Camara
Amidst speculations that he had sold out public facilities in the city, the mayor of Banjul, Pa Sallah Jeng has defended himself at a news conference on Tuesday.
This came in the wake of a sale of public toilet situated at Prime Street to one Pape Faal, a businessman. He said the said land was sold to Mr. Faal on a contract basis who has started building stores which remains the property of the City Council.
Jeng said allegations against him are unfounded and malicious, which he said are the works of thos who wish to see things go the wrong direction. He said his intention is to develop the city through enhancing future revenue base of the council, retain business in Banjul, have better and decent public facilities.
The contract document which was made available to the press has no bearing of Pa Sallah as the as seller or buyer, referred the BBC as the tenant and landlord.
According to Article 3 of the said contract, the expiration of the rent-free period, which is determined by his investment on the property, the tenant will start paying rent to the BCC.
"The general public must be aware of the simple fact that certain conditions must be established on real estate sales transactions, there must be a title deed." He said that all public facilities and open spaces within the city are owned by the council.
Mayor Jeng said any time purchase of land occurs, there must be a transfer of certificate by Physical Planning, Lands and Survey Departments. It must also be registered with AG Chambers after payment of stamp duty and capital gain tax at Income Tax Department.
Since BCC has no means to maintain the upkeep of public toilets, he added, it is very import for the council to be in partnership with business community and other stakeholders. "The public toilets are no longer in the priority list of the BCC. Almost all toilets in Banjul are dysfunctional and out of use. They are expensive to maintain and are used as litter areas irrespective of their conditions," he said.
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Abortion Causes 13% Maternal Deaths
by Lamin Njie/Makalo
Despite outlawing the practice, according to epidemiological studies, unsafe abortions contribute to 13% of Gambia’s maternal deaths.
The National Reproductive Health Policy document states that complications as a result of abortions account for a large number of maternal deaths in the country. This includes sepsis and hemorrhage.
The policy further stated that one of the causes of infertility is post-abortion sepsis resulting from poor management and complications arising from abortion. The document ranked The Gambia among countries where social and psychological consequences of infertility are severe.
The high maternal morbidity and mortality rates, according the national document, remain serious health problems in The Gambia. This figure stands at 730 per 100,000 live births.
"Unplanned, unwanted or closely spaced pregnancies, as well as teenage pregnancies which often lead to unsafe abortions are among the major causes of maternal morbidity and morality," health experts noted.
Abortion, according to health experts, is always risky because about 125,000 to 200,000 women die of it worldwide annually.
Health experts who drafted the document called for the improvement of women’s health in an appropriate time through family planning services, counseling, among others.
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