Gambian Paedophile Case In Norway Court
A 14-year-old Gambian boy has accused a 57-year-old Norwegian teacher of sexual abuse, afro1 news reported. This is the first time that an Oslo court presides over a paedophilia case regarding many incidents of alleged European sex tourists to The Gambia. The case opened last week.
The accused teacher admits having slept in the same bed with the boy but said that Gambian police made up the abuse charges. The Gambian boy, who was 12 when the alleged sex abuses took place in 2003, is now in Oslo accompanied by his father, one Omar Kolley of Gambian Interpol and Theresa Sarr, a Gambian Public Prosecutor. The four Gambians, who agreed in their accusations of repeated sexual abuse in 2003, have testified against the 57-year-old teacher.
The teacher confessed that he had a "special relationship" with the boy and his family. He said he first met the boy in early 2003 while on holiday in The Gambia. The unnamed teacher told the court that the boy at the time appeared "poor, thin and underprivileged." Being told that he was the son of divorced parents, the teacher further testified, he decided to help the boy by buying him new shoes as well as give his family money to buy bags of rice.
He said after he had returned to Norway, he had been regularly transferring money for the boy so that he and his brother could have access to education. "I decided to return to The Gambia in November 2003 to visit the family," he explained, adding that the minor’s father allowed him to stay with him in his hotel. "We always stayed in separate beds. To him, it was good living in a nice and neat hotel and eats well."
Other Norwegians, which include a journalist, were suspicious about the man’s relationship with the boy. But according to the teacher, there is nothing strange in his relationship with the boy because his father had urged him to adopt him.
"It is not true that we had sex," he emphasised, maintaining his innocence. "My only intention is to help a poor boy and his family to attain better life." He added that the now 14-year-old boy recently told him that he was very sorry for the accusations coming up but that "he could not do anything about it." The accused said Gambian police, whom he described as "corrupt", had constructed the whole case against him. After having been contacted by Norwegian police and media attention on paedophilia in The Gambia, the accused said Gambian police had wanted ‘concrete results to show to.’ "They had pressured the boy and his family to testify against him."
Last year, the teacher was accused of sexually harassing a teenage girl at the school he worked for. While the trial continues, his services were terminated. If convicted, he will face between two and ten years imprisonment.
The court is expected to hear the testimony of the boy, his father and Gambian police later. The case has got much media attention in Norway, being the first-ever police investigation against national tourists accused of sex abuses in Africa. Similar cases on Norwegian sex tourists in Thailand have however been treated by Oslo courts, several of them ending with convictions.
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Gambians To Demonstrate In US
By Baba Galleh Jallow
Washington, DC
Gambians in the United States are planning to hold a powerful demonstration outside the Gambian Embassy in Washington on Friday December 2.
US based pro-democracy group, Save The Gambia Democracy Project (STGDP) in collaboration with the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy in The Gambia have called on all Gambians to join ‘a peaceful demonstration to register outrage at the illegal arrest of the NADD leadership.’ Reactions on two major Gambian Internet mailing lists, the Gambia-L and Gambia Post, suggest an enthusiastic response from Gambians to the calls for a demonstration.
In a short release issued earlier this week, STGDP said it expects Gambians from all over the United States to converge in Washington to demonstrate their support for arrested opposition coalition NADD leaders Halifa Sallah, Hamat Bah and Omar Jallow (OJ).
The three were arrested last week and three days afterwards, arraigned before a Justice MA Paul, a Nigerian judge in The Gambia. Hon. Sallah and OJ were charged with sedition while Mr. Bah was charged with the illegal possession of government documents. All three NADD leaders refused to enter a plea and asked to be tried by another judge since, in their opinion, the presiding judge, could not possibly be impartial considering the fact that he had had some friction with the arrested opposition leadership in the recent past.
Most observers of the Gambian situation feel that the three men can never get a fair in Justice Paul’s hand.
Meanwhile, the arrests of the three opposition leaders have received widespread condemnation both at home and abroad. Gambians across the globe as well as human rights organizations have condemned the arrests and called on the Jammeh regime to release the men.
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Gambia, Zimbabwe Needs Special Attention
By Buya Jammeh
The director of African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies Mrs. Hanna Forster has said that special attention should be given to freedom of the press.
Speaking at the 38th ordinary session of the African commission on human and peoples rights at the Kairaba beach hotel, Mrs. Forster said that the suppression of the press has been the order of the day in the African content especially in Zimbabwe and Gambia, are involve implementing draconian laws, intimidation, harassment and detention of journalist.
She said therefore the African commission need to take special attention to these two countries, to enable them know what is taking place in terms of freedom of expression in the Gambia and Zimbabwe.
Mrs. Hanna Forster who spoke on behalf of the NGO’s at the session told participant that, while there are some positive developments in Africa, challenges on the human situation to be characterizes by conflict, insecurity and violence. The African director further said that the human situation in Zimbabwe is a course for concern, she government agencies in Zimbabwe have continue to arbitrary arrest, torture and killing apposition supporters and trade union official.
Mrs. Forster added that the NGO forum is requesting for the African union to encourage the government of Zimbabwe to contain the recommendation in the facts finding report of the international community. She noted that the NGO forum note in satisfaction the entry into force of the African court on human and people rights which will provide the tackling of impunity our continent, she finally said the African court on human and peoples right and the African court of justice is eminent and NGO forum applauds the African union to proceed and appoint judges.
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NIA Diamond Case In Limbo
By Buya Jammeh
The diamond case involving six officers of National Intelligence Agency before Principal Magistrate Kebba Sanyang, which has been in limbo, was again adjourned.
The new date set for the case to proceed was December 5th this year. The latest adjournment was the third in series. After the second prosecution witness, Adama Bangura finished her testimony, the case could not proceed. In addition, the prosecution is yet to bring its third witness before Principal Magistrate Kebba Sanyang who was said to be on leave in United Kingdom.
But according to judicial sources, Magistrate Sanyang would resume work, which would allow the prosecution to continue with its third witness.
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U.S. Lawmaker Condemns Opposition Arrest
By Sulayman Makalo
United States lawmaker, Betty McCollum has expressed serious concerns over the arrest and subsequent detention of three political leaders of the opposition National Alliance for Democracy and Development, NADD, by the Gambian authorities.
In a letter sent to the Gambian government through The Gambian Mission in the US, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who is also a member of the Committee on International relations said, the arrest of the three opposition leaders, is extremely disturbing and casts the very unfortunate appearance of an attempt to silence legitimate democratic voices.
She said she is currently negotiating with her colleagues in the House of Representatives on what she described as ‘disturbing situation’ unfolding in The Gambia. "I would like to express to you, in the strongest possible terms, my concern for these individuals and my desire that they be released as soon as possible," the statement reads.
The Congresswoman said due to the serious concern the incident has provoked the international community and therefore asked them to be accessed ‘by members of an international humanitarian organization or the diplomatic corps to assure us all that their health and safety and well-being are being protected.’
McCollum said she met with Hon. Sallah in July 2005, who expressed his desire to engage in an open democratic process in which the will of the citizens of The Gambia could be expressed through free and fair election. "I would hope that your government would share this legitimate and laudable goal by engaging opposition political leaders in an open debate and free elections, rather than incarceration," she said.
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"Gambia Will Expand Tourism"
By Pa Modou Secka
The Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Susan Waffa-Ogoo has said that The Gambia will expand tourism all year round to increase employment opportunities for poverty alleviation.
Addressing a-day workshop organised by the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at the Atlantic Hotel, SoS Waffa-Ogoo said in 1990, tourism contribute 39 million US dollars to The Gambia tourism sector for growth and development to maintain environment inability.
SoS Waffa-Ogoo said The Gambia now have over 7000 saleable beds for tourism as the sector contributes 15 percent and is the second largest segment to socio-economic development in the country. "We cannot commit what we cannot deliver. Cultural tourism is widely being promoted in The Gambia tourism sector as well as natural reserve for the wild life act to protect, sustain and maintain the wildlife prospectus. The department of tourism will introduce tourism in the school curriculum to facilitate students’ understanding in tourism aspects," she said.
She added that boat reservations also encourage to promote tourism and eco-tourism, and to explore the river Gambia for upscale tourism.
The managing director of Quantum Net Muhammed Jah said to start up a good partnership, one need the fundamental tools of finance, expertise and hardware, honesty and discipline. "Business is not just about making profit but building stronger ties and relationship," he said.
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Gambia Wins Responsible Tourism Award
By Lamin M. Fatty
Morris Philips, an executive member of the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) has disclosed that The Gambia will receive a first choice Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Alleviation in London.
Mr Philips made these remarks while presiding over the launching of ASSET 2005 fair and showcase recently held at the YMCA. He noted that ASSET was also short listed for Responsible Tourism Award for best organisation and the Kartong Village Development Committee was short listed for best motivation, adding that the presentation will take place in London at the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Day. "These are wonderful achievements for The Gambia and the tourism industry in particular," he said.
Speaking on this year’s fair and showcase, Mr. Morris Philips also chairman of the organising committee said this year’s showcase will be different from last year’s. "ASSET has planed to expand the exhibition to three days. To make it a successful fair and showcase, ASSET will also collaborate with the Forestry Department, as it will coincide with the Anti-Bush Fire Day," he pointed out.
Mr. Philips continued that The Gambia Experience and the Arab Gambia Islamic Bank (AGIB) sponsored this year’s showcase. He urged ASSETT members to diversify their products and also make them up to standard. "It will enable the products to be marketable and buyers to build confidence in their goods," he said.
Mr. George Riegg a volunteer at ASSET said the showcase will be restricted to ASSET members who have paid their contribution before the stipulated time as nothing less than fifty stalls are provided this year. "The activities will also include fashion show display, entertainment and talent shows among other things," he added.
Mr. Saikou Samateh, a representative of the Forestry Department, said that ASSET members and his department entered into consultation, which enabled them to join in partnership. "And the date set for the showcase coincides with the commemoration of the Anti-Bush Fire day. The showcase will be preceded by processions and it will involve display of banners and customize messages on T-shirts to enlighten people about the preservation of our Forest environment and the danger of bushfires. And all these are in line with ASSETS aims," he pointed out.
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Ex-Trinidad Athlete Donates To Schools
By Ousman Baldeh
Ruthvan Wallace, former versatile athlete from Trinidad has recently donated stationeries and sports shoes to schools in the Greater Banjul Area.
The presentation was held at the Gambia Teacher’s Union headquarters in Kanifing.
During the presentation, the deputy permanent secretary at the Department of State for Education (DoSE) Mr. Kunkung Jobateh said it was an honour that Mr. Wallace in his first trip to Africa has decided to make a benevolent gesture as he has the dream of contributing in the development of this country. "This gesture should inspire school children an let me tell you this is just the beginning. I will also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Wallace on behalf DoSE and hope that others will emulate him," he said.
On his part, Mr. Ruthvan Wallace said it is relevant for him to be in The Gambia "I want to use the opportunity to thank teachers for the role they play in our life. School children are future leaders," he said. Mr. Wallace finally urged students to consider education as their first priority, which is very useful to them.
The beneficiaries were Bakau Upper Basic, Jiddah Upper Basic and Kunkujang Upper Basic. The gifts were 1000pens, 1000pencils, and 75 pair of Puma shoes. A student from Bakau Upper Basic gave the vote of thanks.
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#A The Independent
Editorial: Can We Arrest Development Challenges?
Believe it or take it, development comes with many things – bad or good.
Let’s take a critical look at every development and see whether it does not have the two sides. We are not saying development is not essential in our today’s world. We want people to know that we must be prepared to counter any development challenges that lie ahead of us, well before we start embarking on them. We have seen how some communities delve into certain development activities, hoping to get enjoyment when that was never the case.
One area that hampered the lives of children to the extent that they hardly have time for their books is new technology. Just go to cyber cafes and see how minors are glued to surfing pornographic sites. While some go for enjoyment, others have the ultimate aim of learning dirty actions posted on these sites. Can we imagine the sort of psychological development our children are going through? But who says our society is the only one affected by this problem. The advanced world is bitterly crying about the damage being caused by new technology.
It makes youths of some communities dull and irresponsible, thus defeating its whole purpose. Instead of progressing, youths in these communities are bent on abusing technology.
The children of olden days were not exposed to these nudities because their generation was not exposed to them. And even if it existed at the time, the great morally conscious elders of their generation would prefer to die rather than allowing their children to watch pornographic movies. These were the days when parents busied themselves with teaching children about earning respect and avoiding shame, for they believed that without these virtues, life is not worth living.
It is reported that some video clubs also expose our children to "blue films" which are mostly watched late at night. With all the arrest they are making, our security forces unfortunately have not been mindful of this. Perhaps, they are conniving with operators of video clubs.
Developments in the tourism industry have also come with some negative things that need to be addressed if we want to assure a better future for our children. It is an open secret that tourism records a significant part of our country’s economy by creating employment, earning foreign exchange as well as better the lives of people. And the fact that our authorities are eager to pump millions into the sector clearly indicates how we need tourism to service our ailing economy.
However, this does not mean we should allow crimes in the sector to slip by or disappear in thin air. We call our country the Smiling Coast of West Africa but tourists have turned it into a Paedophilia Centre. The sector has become an easy prey for our minors who are coaxed with tokens of foreign monies. Our front-page story has given a new dimension to the case.
With the enactment of sex offences act, we believe tourists would not go scot-free with such crimes in The Gambia.
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Fight Child Sexual Abuse
By David Thoronka
The world is a beautiful place to live in, if all the natural and moral laws are respected. Our society is made of different cultures. While some contribute to our development, others gnaw at our society. The culture of silence is one of such ugly cultures. It is retrogressive in the sense that it prevents people from correcting the wrongs and ills in their society. This mostly protects Child sexual abusers.
It is today proven in our nations that child sexual abuse and exploitation is a big problem. The culture of silence has caused many crimes and abuses against children to go unchecked. People have failed to report child sexual abuse sand exploitations simply because there are strict penal codes attached to them. Some have also concealed the crimes simply because the people involved are holding reputable positions in society or are close relatives to the victim/child.
However, all these exercise are not sufficient justifications to allow this menace to thrive unabated. It is our collective responsibility not to turn blind eye to the problem. Thus, if there is no justification to sexually abuse a child then we should together fight child sexual abuse.
Meanwhile, to condemn this scourge justly without exaggeration let us examine its various components. Child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child under the age of eighteen in any sexual activity, which the child does not fully comprehend for the sexual gratification, or profit of an adult or much older person. This subject includes penetration or attempted penetration of the child’s private part (in this case vagina or anus), to encourage a child to witness sexual intercourse, exposing genitals to a child, fondling a child’s genitals, masturbating the child, exposing the child to pornography or allowing children to be used for pornographic purpose, taking indecent photographs of children or encouraging children to become prostitutes, which may be a single indecent act or it may occur over a period of time. UNICEF and world bodies consider sexual abuse and exploitation of children as wrong and unacceptable. This should be purged from our land considering the fact that there are more than a dozen forums of child sexual abuse in our midst.
Therefore, let us consider these few examples. Incest: a sexual activity between two people who are related by blood. Example father and daughter.
Rape: having sex with a person either through force or violence.
Masturbation: which means rubbing of one’s private part or asking a child to rub one private part.
Sodomy: having anal sex with a child, fondling the child’s private part breast or buttocks in a sexual way.
Voyeurism: taking sexual pleasure from looking at the naked bodies of children. Frontage: rubbing of oneself against a child for sexual pleasure. Other forms exist in child pornography, prostitution and more.
I know by the time you finish reading this portion, you will be bewildered, but it is the truth. It is happening around us and as such it is high time we put a stop to it. Let us fight the notion that it is not my child and as such I don’t care. Remember that the next victim might be your child.
Child sexual abuse has a negative impact on the victim its community and nation as a whole. Child abusers could be parents, uncles, aunts, family friends, teachers and caretakers…. The seriousness of this indecent behaviour cannot be over emphasized. It has been criminalized and culprit can be prosecuted and imprisoned. Strict legislations have been enforced to deter potential child abusers.
The Children’s Act 2005 provides that a person found guilty of child abuse offences could face a jail term ranging from ten to fourteen years. More so a fine could be levied up to Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dalasis (D250.000).
To further enlighten the masses and children alike, the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) on Saturday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse (WDPECA).
This day is set aside by the World Women Summit Foundation in collaboration with many international and national organizations to increase attention and efficient protection skills and prevention measures on the different child sexual abuses existing in the world.
This commemoration coincided with the last session of the Children’s Bantaba 2005. The occasion was also grace by a match pass. During this session child’s right activists spoke on the theme "Don’t Turn A Blind Eye, Fight Sexual Abuse".
In conclusion let me take this opportunity to say that it is our collective responsibility to protect our children from sexual abuse. Primarily, it is the duty of parents and all those in authority over children to protect children. The state will only intervene to protect children if parents and adults fail in their duty.
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Human Rights in Islam
By Ahmed B. Saidybah
Praise is due to Allah who through His mercy has made us human beings, a species better than all creation; He has made us Muslims, belonging to the best of all religions and finally He made us members of the best of all nations-The nation of Muhammad (SAW).
When we speak of human rights in Islam we really mean that these rights have been granted by God; they have not been granted by any king or by any legislative assembly. The rights granted by the kings or the legislative assemblies, could also be withdrawn in the same manner in which they are conferred. The same is the case with the rights accepted and recognised by the dictators. They can confer them when they please and withdraw them when they wish; and they can openly violate them when they like. But since in Islam God has conferred human rights, no legislative assembly in the world or any government on earth has the right or authority to make any amendment or change in the rights conferred by God. No one has the right to abrogate them or withdraw them. Nor are they basic human rights, which are conferred on paper for the sake of show and exhibition, and denied, in actual life when the show is over. Nor are they like philosophical concepts, which have no sanctions behind them.
Although an Islamic state may be set up in any part of the earth, Islam does not seek to restrict human rights or privileges to the geographical limits of its own state. Islam has laid down some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed and respected under all circumstances whether such a person is resident within the territory of the Islamic state or outside it, whether he is at peace with the state or at war.
Human Made Charters and proclamations cannot be compared with the rights sanctioned by God; because the former is not applicable on anybody while the latter is applicable on every believer. They are a part and parcel of the Islamic Faith. Every Muslim or administrators, who claim to be Muslims, will have to accept, recognise and enforce them. If they fail to enforce them, and start denying the rights that have been guaranteed by God or make amendments and changes in them, or practically violate them while paying lip service to them, the verdict of the Holy Qur’an for such government is clear and unequivocal: {Those who do not judge by what God has sent down are the disbelievers} (5:44).
Human Rights in an Islamic State:
The Security of Life and Property: In the address, which the Prophet delivered on the occasion of the Farewell Hajj, he said: "Your lives and properties are forbidden to one another till you meet your Lord on the Day of Resurrection". The Prophet has also said about the dhimmis (the non-Muslim citizens of the Muslim state): "One who kills a man under covenant (i.e., Dhimmi) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise".
The Protection of Honour: The Holy Qur’an lays down-
{You who believe, do not let one (set of) people make fun of another set}
{Do not defame one another}
{Do not insult by using nickname}
{Do not backbite or speak ill of one another}
Sanctity and Security of Private Life: The Qur’an has laid down the injunction-
{Do not spy on one another}
{Do not enter any houses unless you are sure of their occupant’s consent}
The Security of Personal Freedom: Islam has laid down the principle that no citizen can be imprisoned unless his guilt has been proven in an open court. To arrest a man only on the basis of suspicion and to throw him into a prison without proper court proceedings and without providing him a reasonable opportunity to produce his defence is not permissible in Islam.
The Right to Protest against Tyranny: Amongst the rights that Islam has conferred on human beings is the right to protest against government’s tyranny. Referring to it the Qur’an says. "God does not love evil talk in public unless it is by some one who has been injured thereby." In Islam, as has been argued earlier, all power and authority belongs to God, and with man there is only delegated power, which becomes a trust; everyone who becomes a recipient of such a power has to stand in awful reverence before his people towards whom and for whose sake he will be called upon to use these powers. This was acknowledged by Abu Bakr who said in his very first address: "Cooperate with me when I am right but correct me when I commit error; obey me so long as I follow the commandments of Allah and His prophet; but turn away from me when I deviate".
Freedom of Expression: Islam gives the right of freedom of thought and expression to all citizens of the Islamic state on the condition that it should be used for the propagation of virtue and truth and not for spreading evil and wickedness.
The Islamic concept of freedom of expression is much superior to the concept prevalent in most parts of the world today. Under no circumstances would Islam allow evil and wickedness to be propagated. It also does not give anybody the right to use abusive or offensive language in the name of criticism. It was the practice of the Muslims to enquire from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) whether on a certain matter a divine injunction had been revealed to him. If he said that he had received no divine injunction, the Muslims freely expressed their opinion on the matter.
Freedom of Association: Islam has also given people the right to freedom of association and formation of parties or organisations. This right is also subject to certain general rules.
Freedom of Conscience and Conviction: Islam has laid down the injunction: There should be no coercion in the matter of faith.
On the contrary totalitarian societies totally deprive the individuals of their freedom. Indeed this undue exaltation of the state authority curiously enough postulates a sort of servitude, of slavishness on the part of man. At one time slavery meant total control of man over man - now that type of slavery has been legally abolished but in its place totalitarian societies impose a similar sort of control over individuals.
Protection of Religious Sentiments: Along with freedom of conviction and freedom of conscience, Islam has given the right to the individual that his religious sentiments will be given due respect and nothing will be said or done which may encroach upon his right.
Protection from Arbitrary Imprisonment: Islam also recognises the right of the individual that he will not be arrested or imprisoned for the offences of others. The Holy Qur’an has laid down this principle clearly: {No bearer of burdens shall be made to bear the burden of another}
The Right to Basic Necessities of Life: Islam has recognised the right of the needy people that help and assistance will be provided to them: And in their wealth there is acknowledged right for the needy and the destitute.
Equality Before Law: Islam gives its citizens the right to absolute and complete equality in the eyes of the law.
Rulers Not Above the Law: A woman belonging to a high and noble family was arrested in connection with theft. The case was brought to the Prophet, and it was recommended that she might be spared the punishment of theft. The Prophet replied, "The nations that lived before you were destroyed by God because they punished the common-man for their offences and let their dignitaries go unpunished
for their crimes; I swear by Him Who holds my life in His hand that even if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, had committed this crime, I would have amputated her hand".
The Right to Participate in the Affairs of State: {And their business is (conducted) through consultation among themselves} (42:38).
The shura or the legislative assembly has no other meaning except that: The executive head of the government and the members of the assembly should be elected by free and independent choice of the people.
Lastly, it is to be made clear that Islam tries to achieve the above-mentioned human rights and many others not only by providing certain legal safeguards but mainly by inviting mankind to transcend the lower level of animal life to be able to go beyond the mere ties fostered by the kinship of blood, racial superiority, linguistic arrogance, and economic privileges. It invites mankind to move on to a plane of existence where, by reason of his inner excellence, man can realise the ideal of the Brotherhood of man.
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Ecowas Cup Postponed Again
By Namory Trawally
The finals of the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS) sponsored football tournament organised by the West African Football Union (WAFU) have been once again postponed to a later date.
According to the second vice-president of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) Mr. Ebou Ndure, the FA received the news of the postponement last weekend. The finals were scheduled to take place from the 24th to the 26th November 2005 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking on Sports File last Monday, GFA number three said for three months GFA has been preparing for the finals and had spent one hundred and seventy thousand Dalasis (D170, 000).
"We were planning to go to camp on Friday when the news of the postponement was brought to our attention. We are going to claim for compensation from the organizers," Mr. Ndure pointed out.
Reacting to the postponement in an interview with Sports File, WAFU vice-president and former GFA president Alhagie O. B. Conateh said that the decision to postpone the finals came from the local organizers in Nigeria.
"The 30th Ecowas anniversary to be held in Nigeria, which the football tournament is part of, has been postponed due to the recent plane crash in which 117 passengers die and the sudden dead of Madam Stella Obasanjo, First Lady of Nigeria. But no date has been set for the finals," he said, adding that GFA could go ahead with its compensation claim.
Four teams - Ghana, Gambia, Côte d’ Ivoire and the host nation Nigeria were billed to play the finals after they qualified for the finals.
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Senior Lions Retain Njog Malick Trophy
Bakau veteran team better known as Senior Lions last Saturday claimed the second edition of Njog Malick memorial football tournament in Bakau.
In a well contested and attended final at the Cocktail football grounds in Fajara, Senior Lions, the defending champions defeated Seaview 4-2 on post match penalty kicks, as the scores ended in a one all draw at the end of the game. Senior Lions first opened the scoring in the 59th minute of the encounter but Seaview equalized in the 75th minute.
The rest of the game was marred by attacks and counter-attacks from both sides without a goal being scored, forcing team players to settle for a penalty spot.
Senior Lions were awarded a trophy and cash prize of D 15,000 while Seaview went home with D10, 000. Another D10, 000 was given to Njog Malick’s son for his school fees.
The family of Njog Malick, including his father were present at the finals.
It could be recalled that nine teams took part in the championship. They are Kololi, Al trading, Bob Marley, Old Hands of Banjul, Old Hands of Serrekunda Est, Senior Lions, Kerr Ryad, Kellebi and Seaview.
Hatib Janneh of Seaview Gardens sponsored the tournament, which was coordinated by Ebrima Jallow (EB) and Pa Suwareh Faye.
Upper Niumi Elects Interim Committee
Villages in the Upper Niumi District last Saturday converged at Kerr Chebo to discuss the way forward for sports.
The meeting also discussed the activities of the district sports committee.
Organised by Kerr Mama Sports Committee (KMSC), the meeting aimed to identify and solve the numerous problems confronting sports in the area thus resulting to the resignation of some executive committee members. Among the problems being discussed include the in completed tournaments, improper management of the district team during the GFA regional second division league last year and its automatic relegation to the third division.
Delegates passed a vote of no confidence against the present executive committee. An interim committee, comprising of all village representatives was selected to run the affairs of the district for the next one year until a proper congress is held in December next year.
The interim committee members are as follows:
Chairman: Bai Dodou Jallow, Kerr Mama village; Vice chairman: Ebrima Gassama, Albreda; Secretary general: Baba Jobe, Kaba Koto; Treasurer: Bakary Fofana, Juffureh; Ass. Secretary General: Modou Sarr, Fass Saho; Ass- Treasurer: Abdulie Senghore, Kerr Chebo; Auditor: Cherno Saidy, Kerr Demba; PRO: Ebou Gaye, Possi Mamat Jaw. The Co-opted Members are: Lamin Njie, Juffureh; Beyadi Gaye, Pakau Saloum; Sergeant Sowe, Touba Kolong; Kemo Ceesay, Touba Kolong.
Super Nawettan Final On Sunday
The 2005 Super Nawettan championship better known as zonals wraps up this Sunday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
After two weeks of competition among eight GFA recognised zones, Sukuta became the first zone to book a ticket to the finals last Tuesday after beating the defending champions, Bakau 4-3 on post match penalty kicks. A well-organised and composed team from Sukuta surprised Bakau, who were the favourites to clinch the trophy again. Under the command of their captain Lamin Camara alias Ronaldo, the Sukutarians proved that despite ending thier Nawettan season prematurely mainly because of violence, the town is capable of producing soccer talents.
The Sunday finals would be the first for Sukuta that is waiting for the winner of Banjul/Serekunda West clash. The two teams were battling at press time Wednesday.
The winner of the championship receives a giant trophy and cash prize of D25, 000 while the runner-up goes home with D18, 000.
Consolation prizes of D6, 000 will be awarded to deserving teams.
SoS Sambou Warns Civil Society
#C 25112005
By Lamin Njie
The Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands, Ismaila Sambou has warned civil society organisations to be mindful of being found wanting in any respect in their quest to participate in national development.
SoS Sambou delivered this statement at The Gambia Social Forum congress at Corinthia Atlantic Hotel last week. For civil society organisations to play a pivotal role in the country, SoS Sambou said, they must be efficient, transparent and accountable to the donors, the intended beneficiaries, stakeholders and government. "They must themselves be transparent in their goals and operations without which their ability to contribute to democracy and development will be compromised and their legitimacy and right to influence others become vulnerable," he said, believing that civil society bodies should efficiently manage the resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the poor. He said this requires strengthening the technical and institutional capacity of civil society organizations and NGOs.
SoS Sambou cautioned delegates not to allow any group to use the forum structure for "overt or covert" activities against the state or government. He said The Gambia Social Forum must be strictly non-partisan that is genuinely committed to positive interaction and constructive dialogues between the state and civil societies.
"The government is willing and ready to give civil society and NGO community all the support through the strengthening of the appropriate institutional legal and administrative framework."
The Director of Tango, Ousman Yarbo said The Gambia Social Forum came as a result of series of consultations between Tango that represented CSOs and Action Aid The Gambia in forming a forum in which the ordinary citizens can dialogue and participate in the affairs of the country.
"The Gambia Social Forum will provide the people of this country an opportunity to move their aspirations forward and a chance to articulate their own hopes with those of the rest of Africa and thus contribute to emergence of a better world", he said, stressing that decision-making process of the forum will be steadily initiated and improved to allow better participate to exist.
Mr. Cherno Jallow of FOPRADD chaired the opening ceremony. He hailed the idea of having the forum, which will pave way for a new Gambia.
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Parents – True Partners In Education
By Pa Modou Secka
The Vice President of The Gambia, Mrs. Isatou Njie-Saidy said there could be no true partnership in education without the involvement of parents.
Madam Njie-Saidy was speaking at the opening of St. Joseph’s ex-Pupils/Ndow’s Comprehensive School. The occasion marked the 25th anniversary of the schools.
She described Mrs. Harriet Ndow, the proprietress of the schools as true partner in education who strives to keep up with government’s demands of achieving quality education in schools.
"Twenty-five years of dedicated national service would have touched a wide circle of lives and is bound to have made an impact on quite a few lives, if not all," she stated, adding that youths should emulate Mrs. Ndow in the field of education, and in other sectors of the Gambian economy to build for themselves and for future generations a better Gambia.
"Mrs. Ndow has focused on creating the right and conducive atmosphere in her schools, providing adequate and decent building facilities, good human and teaching resources and opportunity for continuous in-service training for her teachers in the secondary levels, through yearly workshops," she stated.
In her remarks, the Secretary of State for Education, Mrs. Fatou Lamin Faye said the current education policy focused on quality education. "I will continue working with partners for quality within the education system," she said.
SoS Faye urged other school proprietors to copy from Mrs. Ndow and continue the good work for the development of education in the country. "Bravery and hard work makes success for every man’s achievement," she stated.
The Headmistress of St. Joseph Ex-pupils Nursery School, Mrs. Haddy Jagne underscored the importance of the day, noting that the institution was established in 1980 to strengthen basic education system in The Gambia, and to offer families and students a choice in determining and fostering their education.
"Over the years the school has developed into a respectable institution among the leading educational establishments in the country. The silver jubilee comes as a pride for the nation, as ‘ what a man can do, a woman can do if not better’," she added.
Mr. Nana Grey-Johnson chaired while the Chairman of Parent/Teacher Association delivered the vote of thanks.
Certificates of honour were awarded to Ndow’s school staff.
In another development, the Vice President laid a foundation stone for a multi-purpose hall at Ndow’s Senior Secondary School ground.
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