Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues Issue No. 91/2007, 6-7 August, 2007 Editorial SCIENCE ACADEMY IN KANILAI Give It A Second Thought, Mr. President The report that Taiwan is assisting the president to build a Science Academy in Kanilai has taken many by surprise. It is just recently that the government has informed the public that it is building a university campus in Faraba Banta. Nothing is being said how the present university will develop and evolve into one with a campus. Good planning starts from what exists and is characterised by short term, medium term and long term strategies to facilitate the smooth, continuous and sustainable development of a project. Currently, the University of The Gambia is without a campus or proper science facilities. The students doing physics and other science subjects are terribly disadvantaged because of the inadequacy of books and laboratory facilities. What the university needs currently should be identified and provided if the government is committed to the spirit and principle of promoting university education. At the moment, what is available is a college. What the university needs are accomplished lecturers in the sciences, an update of learning materials and well equipped laboratories to provide education up to PhD level. In subsequent issues Foroyaa will focus on science education in the University of The Gambia. We will provide the facts to the readers to evaluate the situation. We have constantly lamented the negligence of the leaders of the first republic in building a university infrastructure. We have equally drawn the attention of the Gambian public to our honest opinion that this present government is not following the right direction in promoting university education. We have argued vehemently that the Independence Stadium complex, with hostel and adjoining rooms, is a fitting place to commence a university campus. Can you imagine what could have happened if the funds proposed for the academy or to build a university at Faraba were to be utilised to modify the structures at the stadium to build science laboratories with state of earth equipment and provide conducive environment for the lecturer to teach and reside? This could have been the main campus which will proceed to develop up to the point of offering PhD courses. Colleges specializing in agriculture and other disciplines could have been established elsewhere when the situation permits. The basic problem of the government’s development strategy is lack of coherence and a holistic approach in planning. Take the road network as an example. The first strategic objective of any government should have been to build a trunk road from Barra up to the Fatoto river crossing, where a bridge could have easily been constructed to complete the connection between the North and South Bank. Secondly, a South Bank trunk should have been built from Kartong to Koina as another phase in linking all parts of the country. Any government with a coherent road policy would have tried to achieve this within a five year period. This government however showcases development in disjointed ways. Its starts something and goes to something else, before it completes the whole journey cracks would have started where it completed and the whole cycle of deterioration starts off again. Our fear is that vital time and resources will be wasted before a university is established. Then cost would deprive the poor from being enrolled. This is what must be avoided. Taiwan is helping but a change of government or change of policy is always possible. The government should use all opportunity to promote sustainable ventures. IEC FORGERY CASE “I Did Not Forge Ndondi Njie’s Signature” Kawsu Ceesay By Fabakary B. Ceesay Mr. Kawsu Ceesay, the Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), who is standing trial for allegedly forging the signature of Mr. Ndondi Njie, the then chairman of the IEC, told the court that he did not forge the signature of his former boss. On Tuesday 31st July, Mr. Kawsu Ceesay ended his evidence in chief before magistrate Babucarr Secka of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. Mr. Ceesay, dressed in a dark suit with a multi coloured tie, was narrating his evidence like a pastor preaching to the newly converted. On several occasions the magistrate had to remind him to reduce his speed so that he can get all the facts. Mr. Ceesay told the court that the lack of sufficient materials to register eligible voters continued into the second phase of the registration period. He said political parties and elegible Gambian voters lodged several complaints to IEC about the shortage of registration materials at registration centres. Mr. Ceesay said at about the 15th July 2008, Mr. Ndondi Njie informed him that he (Ndondi Njie) had been to the head of state and according to him (Njie) there were complaints about the registration exercise. “On the 17th July 2006, I was in my office and he called me in his office through the intercom. When I went to his office he told me, Kawsu I am fired, meaning that he was sacked from his position as chairman of IEC”, said Kawsu Ceesay. Mr. Ceesay indicated that Mr. Ndondi Njie told him to check into his office drawers for his personal belongings and collect it for him as he was leaving the office at that very moment. Mr. Ceesay indicated that Mr. Ndondi Njie was escorted away by the officials of the NIA and that those people who remained in the office were asked to lock the office, he added that he collected the personal properties of Mr. Njie and sent them to him through somebody. Mr. Ceesay asserted that days after the removal of Mr. Njie, he understood from the new chairman, Alhagie Mustapha Carayol that CODE INCORPORATED COMPANY intended to sue the IEC to court for breach of contract. He added that Mr. Ndondi Njie wrote to the new chairman that the IEC has no obligation to pay CODE, because they never ordered materials from them (CODE). “I received some NIA officials in my office at about the 18th – 19th July 2006, asking me to make a written statement on the issues that they will dictate to me. This came in a way of questions which I had to answer to in writing. I understood from my colleagues that the Director of finance, Mr. Lamin Cham, and the Director of administration were also requested to make statements,” said Ceesay. When asked by defence counsel Musa Batchilly, whether he could remember some of those questions put to him by the NIA. Mr. Ceesay said some of the questions he can remember were the issue of purchase of ten (10) vehicles by IEC, five (5) computers, the order of the election materials from CODE and why there were problems in the registration of voters. Mr. Ceesay added, “I was asked whether if the materials from CODE had arrived, whether the IEC would have problems of registration. I said no because we had ordered enough quantities to conduct the registration exercise for all the elections from 2006 to 2008, but unfortunately, Mr. Ndondi Njie stopped the consignment from arriving. They asked me whether payment was effected, I say no.” Mr. Ceesay noted that shortly before the National Assembly elections in January 2007, he and the director of finance, Mr. Lamin Cham, were invited to the NIA office where they found Mr. Ndondi Njie. The defence counsel, Batchilly asked, “Mr. Ceesay, did you forge the signature of Mr. Ndondi Njie?” Mr. Ceesay answered, “no I did not, and the question I kept on asking myself always is that why should I forge somebody’s signature to pay for election materials that are meant to enable the IEC conduct elections. What benefit is that to me on a personal basis. I have not forged somebody’s signature on a cheque or a voucher that I could directly benefit from!” Mr. Ceesay asserted that all the electoral materials from CODE bears the name of IEC - The Gambia, and that since the Gambia’s electoral system is uniquely different, it will be difficult to market those materials in the sub region. Counsel Batchilly asked “what did you gain personally from IEC paying CODE for the election materials?’’, Mr. Ceesay said “I could not see any way where I could benefit from the ordered materials from CODE. I was not mandated to make any payments”. He said payments are done in a way IEC would request its bank to make a transfer to the bank of the beneficiary company. Mr. Ceesay emphasized that the document was signed by Mr. Ndondi Njie in his presence. He noted that during the tenure of the new chairman, Mr. Mustapha Carayol, on the advice of the permanent secretary, Department of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr.Willy Joof, both sides have agreed to receive some of the materials from CODE needed by the IEC to conduct the transfer and replacement of voters’ cards for January 2007 National Assembly elections; that the materials were received by the IEC from CODE. At this point Mr. Ceesay came to the end of his long evidence in chief. The defence counsel, Musa Batchilly, informed the court that he intends to call some witnesses in their defence. However, on Friday 3rd August, cross-examination could not continue due to the fact that magistrate Secka is on a vacation. The matter was adjourned till September for cross-examination by the state counsel, A.S. Umar Mr. Kawsu Ceesay, the Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, is standing trial for allegedly forging the signature of the former chairman of IEC, Mr. Ndondi Njie, to purchase registration and electoral materials from CODE Incorporated Company in Canada, to the sum of 6 million dalasi. DR. JABEZ AYODELE LANGLEY LAID TO REST By Isatou Bittaye Dr. Jabez Ayodele Langley, who died on the 10th June at Kelly Cross Hospital, Maryland, USA, was finally laid to rest on Monday 30th July 2007 at the Banjul cemetery at 6.00pm. Dr. Langley was born on the 13th March 1943, to Ya Haddy Njie of Medina Serigne Mass and Mr. Gustavus Ekundayo Langley. He was educated at Methodist Kindergarten and Preparatory School and the Methodist Boys High School (1954 – 1959), which was later called the Gambia High School in 1960. Upon completing his high school in 1962, the young Jabez was awarded a United Kingdom scholarship to study at the University of Wales, Swansea, where he received a joint honours degree upper second class (Magna cum Laude) in History and Politics in 1965. He later proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, Scotland to study for his PhD and was successful to defend his doctoral thesis on Pan-Africanism and Nationalism and was awarded a PhD in African History and Politics in 1968. Shortly after receiving his doctorate, he was appointed assistant lecturer at the University of Edinburgh where he prepared his doctorate thesis for publication. Dr. Jabez Langley’s “Pan-Africanism and Nationalism in West Africa 1900 – 1945” was published by Clarendon Press Oxford in 1973 and his second book “ Ideologies of Liberation in Black Africa” was published by Rex Callings, London in 1979. Several articles by Dr.Langley were published in distinguished academic journals in the United Kingdom and United States. He also published a book on Pan-Africanism and was excited to attend the Pan-Africanist conference in Tanzania in 1973.Dr. Langley’s first posting, upon joining the civil service in September 1971, was at the Ministry of External Affairs (Foreign Affairs) where he developed rapport with the diplomatic Mission accredited to The Gambia. In 1973. Dr. Jabez was given a special assignment, the establishment of the Gambia High Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Upon his return to The Gambia in September 1974, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the newly created Ministry of Economic Planning and Industrial Development. Dr. Langley, with his team of economists and planners, took the challenge of preparing the first five year National Development Plan 1975 – 1980. The plan was launched in July 1975 and it came amidst great national excitement and hope for the future. Together with his team of economists and other staff of the Ministry of Finance, they promoted the plan among Multilateral and Bilateral Donors with a view to secure funding for the timely implementation of the projects and programmes in the plan. Also with his team of economists, Dr. Langley prepared the second five year development Plan 1981 – 1985 culminating in the launching of the second plan early in July 1981. During his times in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Industrial Development, he served four ministers with different temperaments. In 1982, Dr. Langley was appointed the Secretary General and head of civil service where he also served as adviser to the President of The Gambia and secretary to the cabinet. With the signing of the Kaur declaration in the aftermath of the July coup, a new relationship came into existence between Senegal and The Gambia and Dr. Langley became an adviser to the president of the Senegambia Confederation. He was cognizant of the need to honour the agreement and to foster good neighbourliness. Not being gender bias, Dr. Langley saw the development of a Women’s Bureau as an important factor and was aware of the women’s potential to contribute to national development. He encouraged the training and career advancement of women in The Gambian civil service. In December 1988, Dr. Jabez Ayodele Langley left the Gambia for secondment in the World Bank in Washington D.C, with the awareness that he had done his best in order to leave behind a stronger civil service. Dr. Langley’s career began and ended in teaching and his association with Howard University began as a senior fellow at the Ralph Bunche International Affairs Centre in Washington D.C. He taught a course on West Africa since 1800, for graduate and undergraduate classes at Haward University’s History department and was later appointed to the Center for African studies where he introduced several new graduate courses ranging from Public Policy and Development in Africa, Development Policy and Administration, Non-Governmental Organisations and Democratisation in Africa. He also taught a graduate course in Pan-Africanism and undergraduate courses on the continent, including Environment and Society in Africa. He was awarded the Howard University Fund for Academic Excellence in 1998. Dr. Langley received many accolades and honours during his life time, including the commander of the Republic of The Gambia (CRG), the Ordre Du Lion of Senegal in 1972, as an adviser and member of the delegation to the presidential consultative meeting in Dakar Senegal. The commander of the Order of the Niger (Nigeria) was also conferred on him. Dr. Jabez Ayodele Langley was a technocrat and an academic and had climbed to the highest level of the academic ladder. The funeral service was conducted at the St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in Banjul on the same day. His former co-workers and colleagues were all present. Mr. Amadou Touray, Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Tourism, Mr. Yaya Sallah, Mr. Amadou Taal, the Inspector general of Police, Benedict Jammeh and his Pan-African colleague, Halifa Sallah were all present at the funeral. PALM OIL REFINERY IN THE MAKING By Isatou Bittaye A new company, Gambia Vegetable Oil Company will soon start to operate a palm oil refinery in The Gambia. This was revealed by the company’s General manager Mr. Kishor in an exclusive interview with Foroyaa last week at the factory at Oyster Creek (Denton) Bridge near Banjul. The company is jointly owned with three other Gambians. Kishor said the company will concentrate on refining palm oil but also engage in soya beans and solvent groundnut oil refining in the near future. Mr. Kishor noted that the raw materials needed for the refining of palm oil is crude oil and will be imported from Malaysia and Indonesia. He indicated that the palm oil, if refined, will be sold in the Gambia for local consumption but that 70% will be exported to other African countries because of the low consumption of palm oil in The Gambia. Mr. Kishor said that the refining process will soon start, noting that the key persons for operating the machines will come from India but the local people will be trained later. He indicated that in Soya bean refining the raw material will be brought from Argentina or China and for that of the solvent groundnut from Senegal and Nigeria. Mr. Kishor said the main purpose of the company is to get the low cost of oil and that also crude oil will be imported in order to have good quality refining oil. EDWARD FRANCIS SMALL’S MONUMENT “IN LIMBO” By Abdou Jeli Keita The monument of Edwards Francis Small a person widely regarded as the father of modern Gambia Politics is still in limbo. This most important monument in the history of our beloved Gambia, located in the epicentre of the city of Banjul has been neglected. Little do Gambians know about this great man (Edward F. Small), how immensely he contributed in our struggle to attain independence. Indeed, this great man greatly contributed in our drive to self government. He is the father of Trade Unionism in The Gambia and this may have led The Gambia National Trade Union Congress (GNTUC); in this year’s workers’ day celebration to call on the Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment, President Jammeh and other stakeholders, to assist in rebuilding Edward F. Small’s Monument at The GAMTEL roundabout in the epicentre of Banjul in order to keep his legacy in the minds of Gambians. It will be a disillusionment to realise that The GAMTEL roundabout is being redesigned and re-built while neglecting the monument in the centre of the roundabout. The Gamtel Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Abou Othman, in an interview with Foroyaa Newspaper, said Gamtel is sponsoring the rebuilding of the roundabout at an undisclosed amount. He added that this rebuilding has nothing to do with the call by the Trade Unions to assist in rebuilding the Edward F. Small Monument. He said the rebuilding of the roundabout is geared towards 13 years celebration of the July22 1994 takeover. New monuments are seen being built, but this most important monument to remember and honour Edward Francis Small, a great son of The Gambia, is being neglected. This reporter spoke to many people who called on President Jammeh, to assist in the rebuilding of the Edward Francis Small Monument. Mr. Dawda Faal, a historian, wrote the following: ‘’Edward Francis Small is widely regarded as the father of modern Gambian politics. He formed the first quasi political organisation in The Gambia. He was born in Bathurst in January 1891. He completed his education at the Methodist Boys High School in Freetown and started to work there, in Freetown in 1910. He then held a series of clerical jobs in both Freetown and Bathurst before becoming a teacher in Bathurst in 1915. While a teacher, Small decided to become a clergyman in the Methodist Mission. In 19 17, he was sent to Ballanghar to serve a probationary period as agent of the Methodist Mission, but within eighteen months he was dismissed from mission employment. Small’s dismissal followed what has been referred to as the “Ballanghar incident”. On New Year’s Eve 1918 Small ordered the bell of the mission chapel at Ballanghar to be tolled heralding the annual watch night service. The sound disturbed one James Walker, a European trader living in the town; and an argument developed between the two leading to Small’s dismissal. This “Ballanghar incident” was to serve as the starting point for the political career of Edward Francis Small. The travelling commissioner at the time Mr. J.L. Mocallum, insisted in the removal of Small from Ballanghar. Under pressure from The Gambia Colonial government, Rev. P.S. Toys, the Chairman of The Gambia District of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, withdrew Small to Sukuta. Small resented the treatment he received from the Church and proceeded to criticise Rev. Toys openly and was consequently dismissed from the mission employment. Small together with other discontented members of the Aku Community, Founded The Gambia Native Defense Union (GNDU), who attacked what they called “the blatant flaws in the administration of the central Government”. Meanwhile, in the other British West African Colonies preparations were being finalised for a conference of educated West Africans to take place in the Former Gold Coast. Since the organizers of the conference wished all four British West African Colonies to be represented, support was sought for in The Gambia. Small was able to convert the (GNDU) into the conference’s fund raising committee in Bathurst. Enough money was raised for one Gambian delegate to attend and Small, as the Secretary of the Fund raising committee, was selected to represent The Gambia. At the Accra conference of March 1920, Small who was one of the Principal Speakers, delivered on the right of West Africans to self determination. The Accra conference resolved itself as the National Congress of British West African NCBWA. Small arrived back in Bathurst in May 1920 and within a short time had established The Gambia Chapter of the NCBWA and became its Secretary. Edward Francis Small was also a pioneer Gambian Journalist. In the 1920’s he published and edited “The Gambia Outlook and Senegambian Reporter” producing the first edition in Dakar. He would later found The Gambia Outlook. As a journalist Small established a tradition of critical and independent political journalism in the country. Small always took up issues of concern to the people of Bathurst in the pages of The Gambia Outlook and was also quite prepared to criticise government policy. In 1929 Edward F. Small Founded the first Gambia Trade Union, the Bathurst Trade Union (BTU), which was “strong enough to organise the first labour strike in Gambian history in 1929, marking one of the most successful strikes in Africa before the Second World War. Edward F. Small by early 1930’s, was again in the thick of politics as the leader of the Rate Payers Association (RPA). The RPA was the first quasi-political party in The Gambia. Edward F. Small went on to represent the municipal council in the legislative council between 1942 and 1947. When the elective principle was first introduced for the legislative council in 1947, Small became the first Gambian to win a popular vote. Sponsored by his labour union, Small defeated Sheikh Omar Faye and I.M. Garba Jahumpa and became the elected representative for Banjul and the Kombo area in the legislative council. Edward Francis Small will be remembered as the founder of The Gambia Branch of the National Congress of British West African. He was the first Gambian to be directly elected to the legislative council and the first to be appointed to the executive council. He was also the driving force behind the Bathurst Rate Prayers’ Association which dominated the politics of Bathurst in the 1930 ’s and 1940’s. He founded the first Gambia Trade Union and created the modern Gambian Press. Small continued to play an important role as a political activist, trade unionist and journalist for Gambian and non-Gambian movements until his death in January 1958. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IS MONEY LIFE? Part 1 Lang and Chaneh are from provinces. They were bred and schooled there. They became childhood lovers. Lang is an orphan brought up by his paternal grandmother. He schooled up to Secondary Technical level. Then he learned many trades - carpentry, masonry, farming and plumbing. He is witty and entrepreneuring. He mortgaged his father’s land to help sponsor Chaneh’s education, her dad’ s hospital bill, etc. Chaneh grew up to be beautiful damsel. She was already betrothed to Lang who has invested a huge sum of money on her head. Will she marry him? Read on to find out. Chaneh and Lang Chaneh have grown into a beautiful sophisticated damsel. After she completed her Grade 9 she started to play games with Lang, her village champion. She now looked down on him. She compared him with the city guys. Her parents encouraged her to flirt with civil servants posted to her village. Essa was heading a project whose headquarters was based at Chaneh’s village. Essa has interest in Chaneh. He asked for her hand in marriage. Chaneh agreed, backed by her parents. The Marriage Ousman, Lang’s friend broke the news of the marriage to him. “Did you not hear?” Ousman asked Lang. “Hear what?” “That Essa is marrying your girlfriend today?” “It’s a lie. Chaneh cannot do that to me.” Lang swore. “She has done it. Do you disbelieve me? I’ll take you to her place to witness the ceremony. We an take a shade to cover our presence.” Lang agreed. He saw the shock of his life. There was Chaneh, a centre of attention being showered head to foot with raw cash in D100 and D50 notes. She was all smiles, Essa dominating her presence all the time. The griots were singing praises to the bride and groom, tracing back to their great ancestry in history. Lang could not believe his eyes. “Chaneh is wicked! She should have informed me. After all, marriage should be based on consent.” He shed emotional tears. Ousman cheered him up. “It is painful, especially when you have spent everything you had on her. Take heart! Allah knows everything.” Recollection of Secondary School Days Lang recollected his secondary days with Chaneh - how they used to play hide and seek in the bush; how everybody referred to them as husband and wife. They loved themselves and they amused villagers by their teenage romance. Their parents betrothed them to each other with full consent from them. Chaneh’s Dad Chaneh’s dad, Pa Basiru visited Lang’s home. He found him repairing his rider. Pa Basiru brought a box load of clothes and a jewelry box and handed them over to Lang. “What for?” Lang asked. “These are the things you gave my daughter, Chaneh. She is married to Essa now and does not need your things. You can sell them or better still find another village girl to marry.” Lang shook his head and addressed Pa Basiru. “Pa! I am very disappointed in you. How can you be that callous? Are you mocking at me? Did you ask for the things I gave to Chaneh? Or are you suffering from guilty conscience? Why didn’t you return the hospital bill I paid for your operation in Dakar; your daughter’s education bill and the fish money I have been giving you? You are heartless but Allah is watching you.” “My daughter is right. She went for greener pastures. I never prayed for my daughter to stay in this Allah forsaken village. You are a village champion, Lang of many trades. You can find another village queen. Certainly not my Chaneh! She will pay you back everything you spent on us. Essa is a patron. He will find her a job and she will pay you every butut spent on our family.” Pa Basiru left Lang repairing his Honda bike. Lang is Disappointed Lang is disappointed in life. He cursed his being. “Look at me! Born with bad luck. I lost my mum as she gave birth to me. My dad died as soon as I was born. My granny brought me up. Now she too is gone. I am alone in this wide world. My relatives do not care about me. I made it on my own. I have spent everything on Chaneh. Look at it! She too has betrayed me. What have I done? Where have I gone wrong?” he wailed. Ellen, The Village Seamstress Ellen is the village seamstress, very industrious. She schooled up to secondary four. Then she learned tailoring. She sewed for both sexes, adult and children. She is single. Lang keeps his money with her. She is very straight forward and honest. Sometimes she lends money to Lang when he is in difficulty. Chaneh is Ellen’s bosom friend. Their friendship started since primary school days. Lang still loves Chaneh. She could not easily get out of his mind despite the betrayal and being someone’s wife It is ludicrous and funny. Lang visited Ellen to get Chaneh’s address in the city. Ellen Advises Lang “I have Chaneh’s city address but why should I give it to you? It is dangerous. Chaneh is now someone’s wife. You can cause commotion in her marriage life or be in collision with her husband. Don’t visit Chaneh.” Lang lied. “ Chaneh is having some of my important documents. I went to her parents. They searched but could not see them. They refused to give me her address for reasons better known to them. I decided to come to you as her friend.” Ellen thought hard and said. “Okay! I’ll help you. I’ll give you Chaneh’s address but be very careful.” Lang laughed and said, “You know me by now! I am always very careful.” Lang’s Business Lang decided to go into second hand clothing business. He took part of his family land and sold it. The business thrived. Lang decided to visit Chaneh in the city. Ousman advised him not to go. He braved the storm and went to the city. “I have to see Chaneh face to face. I still could not believe this! Where are all the promises, trust, and love? This is unbelievable! Seeing her eye to eye will determine whether charm is involved,” Lang argued. At Chaneh’s Home Lang came to Chaneh’s home in the city. He met the gateman and gave him a false name. The gateman announced to Chaneh that her father wanted to see her. “ Ask him in.” Chaneh was eager to see her father. Lang is Ushered In The gateman ushered Lang in. “What! What are you doing here Lang? You want to put me into trouble? What do you want from me? Didn’t you see I am married?” Chaneh bombarded him with questions. Lang is still dreaming to have Chaneh. “Chaneh my love! Why have you betrayed me? Where is everything we shared? Are you charmed? I was very disappointed but I am ready to have you back. You have to leave your husband’s house. Come back to me I love you with all my heart. You forgot our oath. Come back to me my love.” Chaneh laughed at Lang’s face. “What stupid love! Poverty love! Chaneh is moving forward and you are asking me to move backward! It can’t be! I cannot exchange affluence and prestige with poverty and want. If you want to be near me let me employ you as my watchman.” Lang got up. “You have insulted me to my soul. Enough of it! I am leaving!” “Take the fare and retain the change for your troubles.” “Thanks! I have brought my own fares.” Lang left. “I don’t hate you. You are a good man. I used to love you very much but now I am married and devoted to my husband,” Chaneh said. Night Driving Lang refused to stay in the city. Chaneh wanted him to sleep with the gateman until in the morning but he refused. “I can take care of myself. I am returning this night.” The driver over speeded and there was an accident. There was no death but a lot of injuries. Lang was hospitalised. Ellen and Ousman Pay A Visit Ellen and Ousman visited him at the hospital. He narrated his experience at Chaneh’s house and the accident. “It’s okay! Don’t be hard on yourself. Take it easy. All will be well,” the duo said. Ellen went home to cook him a high pepper soup with coos while Ousman waited for him. His two friends showed great care and love. They praised Allah for sparing Lang’s life. To be Continued FOCUS ON POLITICS THE 1981 POLITICAL CRISIS GCDB TOOK THE SPOT LIGHT AS EXTERNAL AUDITORS PROBE IN With Suwaibou Touray We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have analysed the politics of pre-colonial to post-independence epoch. We have just completed the narration of political events for the year 1984. We have stopped where we said the second thing that happened was the introduction of an identification system, ID cards, for Gambian nationals in 1974 for the first time in Gambian history; that it was initially meant for boosting up security for the state. The issues that struggled for centre stage in early 1985 were numerous, but the crisis that beset the Gambia Commercial and Development Bank was an issue that did not have an equal in terms of importance. The Gambia Commercial and Development Bank (GCDB) was established in 1974 with the objective of making loans available to small and medium entrepreneurs as well as farmers. It is a public commercial bank which had dominated banking in the mid 70s up to the early 1980s.The GCDB accumulated millions of dalasi through savings from individual depositors but the public continued to hear about scandals that were connected to the bank. For example, in 1980, there was a big scandal surrounding a theft case of about 200 million CFA Franc. It was reported in the Nation newspaper that the money was about to be smuggled out of the country through the Banjul International Airport by officials of the GCDB who were attacked by the robbers; that the robbers were intercepted by the police at the highway. The scandal was popularly called the ‘Yundum highway robbery case’. Another scandal that came to the limelight on 9th September 1982, was that involving one Mrs. Ngum who was arrested and charged with stealing a large sum of money of over 50 million CFA Francs belonging to the GCDB. These developments infuriated the populace who came to realise that the bank was under going serious problems of mismanagement. A lot of irregularities occurred and to the disappointment of the general public, but that it was difficult for people to air such grievances openly for fear of being charged with defamation of character, libel etc. But by end of 1984, with the intervention of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it was recommended that the GCDB be probed. Hence, external auditors were invited to audit the bank. This is why after the budget session for the year 1984, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheriff Sisay was asked by the Torch Newspaper to shed light on the report of external experts but the minister told the Torch that he was not aware of the report. In the subsequent issues, the Torch revealed that particular areas of the bank’s operations depart from acceptable practice; that its external accounts status in its 38 correspondent banks was unascertained in three years. According to the Torch, reports in 1974, ‘81, ‘83, ’84 had been prepared by experts on the bank; that if the Minister chooses to be ignorant, it would be at the expense of a ruined country. The Torch continued to reveal that what they had gathered was that the auditors had suspended investigations for two reasons i.e. 1. Because investigation may take too long a time or 2. this is convincing evidence that fresh re-examinations were necessary. The Torch, however, insisted that it was risky evasion, marking time, reposed in the accounting process, a trust for the usual report in the generalities; that accidents that may unravel mysteries were suffocated in the routine. As you can imagine, this created a long drawn out debate within the public. Many believed the Torch report. Others blamed the paper for irresponsible reporting. Some say “let us see what happens etc. At this stage, within a week, the publisher of the Independent weekly paper, “The Torch’, appeared in court on Monday, 4 Februaryt 1985. He was sued for libel as well as other general claims. He was sued by no other person than Mr. Housainou Momodou Musa Njie, the Managing Director of the Gambia Commercial and Development Bank in his personal and public capacity. According to a BBC report, the paper has reported a D9 million dalasi overseas bank account belonging to Mr. Njie in December 1984. The BBC report mentioned Mr. Njie as a very powerful figure in financial, social and political quarters in Banjul; that he is also a brother in law to the President. According to the Torch, they too filed a statement of defence by 25 February 1985 through their counsel, the famous Sam H.A. George. With the long drawn out legal battle between the Torch and GCDB manager, the paper continued to report the findings of external auditor’s report on the bank, which is a body corporate with unlimited liability. Further reports revealed that the bank has not maintained the minimum deposit with the Central Bank of The Gambia as required by the Central Bank of The Gambia Act 1971, nor had it maintained the minimum liquid asset as required by the financial Institution Act 1974 According to the auditors, the system of internal control was inadequate to enable them to determine that all transactions with customers, other banks and third parties were recorded. As a result, they said, they have been unable to satisfy themselves as to the completeness of the books and records of the bank or that they have received all the information and explanations they required. According to the Torch report on the auditors, the bank’s records contained many balances which could not be analysed into identifiable and collectible amounts; that they believed that a provision of at least D8 million Dalasi may be required against these items. It was also reported that the records show that over D50 million dalasi were unaccounted debts and that included loans and advances and an amount due from the Gambia Co-operative Union Ltd. for 25 million dalasi which they say was ultimately lent to farmers in 1979/80 and 1980/81. According to the Torch report, in the opinion of the external auditors, the provision for another bad and doubtful debts and related interest is inadequate and a further provision of at least D22 million dalasi may be required against these items. In these pages of the Torch on this report, they quoted a famous Henry John Ford who said “History is bunkum, what matters is money”. See next issue as we forge ahead into the middle 1985. WHERE ARE THE REPATRIATED MIGRANTS? By Bubacarr K. Sowe Several people are still informing the FOROYAA that their relatives, who were recently repatriated from Spain, are being detained at the state Central Prison at Mile Two, even though Superintendent Anita Jammeh – Sonko has repeatedly told Foroyaa that the Gambians who were deported from Spain were released that same day. “Immigration has not detained anybody”, she said. However, one Badinding Sillah has informed Foroyaa that his brother and some relatives are in custody at the state central prison. He said that he was told by one of his deported brothers, Gai Sillah, at the Serrekunda market that they were repatriated and detained at the police Intervention Unit (PIU) camp in Kanifing but they have been released and most of his friends are on the way coming home. Badinding added that those people never arrived home and the following day he went with Gai to the PIU camp but another policeman recognized him (Gai) as a deportee and that eventually it was ordered that he be arrested. Badinding Sillah also said that the police denied him to bail his brother and that while at the PIU camp a policeman told him that the rest of the deportees are at the state central prison. He said that he went to the prison to enquire about his brother but was told to come back the following day, Thursday, July 26, during the visiting hours. That day, he said, he was denied entry at the prisons and could not succeed in giving his detained relative the food he took for them. According to Badinding Sillah, apart from Gai who is held at the PIU camp, Sulayman Sillah, Kawsu Drammeh, Kawsu Juwara, Aruna Trawally and Alasan Trawally are all being held at the state central prison. PLANNING UNIT SHOW COMMITMENT OVER COMMUNITIES’ NEED ON 2008 BUDGET By Bubabcarr K. Sowe Representatives of various planning units of the government have shown commitment to the priority issues raised by communities at the annual 2008 budget interface forum held at the Paradise Suites Hotel, Kololi on Friday, august 3.The event which is being facilitated by Pro-poor advocacy Group (Pro-PAG) since 2004 brings together representatives from the Western, North Bank, Upper River and Central River Regions (North) into discussion with the government’s planning units where local communities put across their pressing issues for the next fiscal year. Pro-PAG’s policy and budget analyst, Omar Jobe, told Foroyaa that they achieved more than they thought they would. “All the planning Directors we targeted are here, and all of them have committed to take almost 90% of the priorities that are emerging from the community consultation on board without any problems, particularly for water”, Mr. Jobe said. He said the priorities for the various regions differ and the North bank is much more concerned with water, the Western region needs more road infrastructure, the central river region has diverse concerns such as road, access to health facilities and upgrading of schools, while the major priority for the Upper River Region is water. Mr. Jobe added that this year’s forum is more successful than the previous years and they have been able to include the Central River Region (North) into the programme. He said they could not include Banjul, the Kanifing Municipality, Lower River Region and the Central river Region (South) in this year’s participatory process due to financial and time constraints but that plans are in place to bring them on board next year. Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne, Pro-PAG’s director, said at the opening ceremony that it is only by bringing the poor people’s priorities in the budget process that development can be achieved. She remarked that the interface forum will create the enabling environment for the voice of the poor people to be heard by the technocrats who are involved in the planning of national development. Omar Badjie of Action Aid – The Gambia said it is essential that the poor and excluded people are not only consulted just for the sake of it but the space is deliberately created for them to fully participate in programme initiation, planning, implementation and evaluation so that their views and aspirations are given due considerations. Mr. Badjie said: “Participation therefore is not a favour or a privilege to be bestowed to the people by any duty bearer; rather it is a right that everyone must enjoy irrespective of ethnicity, religion, age or gender. Development policies and actions can only be legitimate if they are developed with active, free and meaningful involvement of the people whose lives will be affected by decisions taken.” Abdoulie Jallow of the department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs said the outcome of the consultation forum will be considered in the preparation of the 2008 budget. Mr. Jallow informed the gathering that the Gambia government has recently been attested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on its Poverty reduction and Growth facility Programme and they are hopeful that in September the country will have its debt written off and that would mean more resources will go into financing into the priorities raised by the communities. CAWABA COMPANY DIRECTOR IN POLICE NET By Fabakary B. Ceesay One Mr. Douglass A.G. Watts, the Managing director of CAWABA Building construction Company, was arrested by the police in Gunjur, Kombo South and later transferred to the Serious Crime Unit at police headquarters in Banjul. According to our sources, Mr. Douglass Watts was detained at the police headquarters for hours before being released on bail. The same source added that Mr. Watt ’s traveling documents are being held by the police and that he is still said to be reporting to the police, as required by his bail conditions. When contacted, the police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka confirmed the detention and subsequent release of Mr. Douglass Watts. Inspector Secka said that Mr. Watts was arrested and charged for obtaining money by false pretence amounting to 10,000 pound sterling. Inspector Secka added that Mr. Watts has accepted liability and promised to pay back the complainant with a piece of land equivalent to the said amount. Mr. Douglass A.G. Watts, a Briton, is said to have retired as a major in British Army and is now running a building construction company in The Gambia called CAWABA, which was said to be registered in 2005. FA Cup: Ports and Hawks Make Finals By Modou Nyang Gambia Ports Authority FC will meet Hawks FC in the FA Cup Final on Sunday. Ports saw off current league champions Real de Banjul 2-1 after fighting back from a goal down on the first semi final played on Friday at the Independence Stadium. Real took the lead in the 13th minute of the and Ports leveled terms in the 36th minute before snatching the winner through substitute Hatab Badjie to send the dethroned champions to the final. And on Sunday Hawks maintained their stance to defend their FA Cup title by eliminating Bakau United by a goal to nil. Hawks has owed to defend their crown and with the quality they exhibited in defeating Armed Forces at the quarter final stage before finishing off Bakau United, clearly demonstrated their ability to do so. Banjul Nawettan Starts on Saturday By Modou Nyang The 2007 Nawettan season in Banjul will commence on Saturday with the super cup between Digi Dambi and Macdonald United. The match will serve as the curtain raiser for this year’s Nawettan which will take off on the following Tuesday. The matches will be played in two different locations – Banjul playing grounds and at the Gambia Senior Secondary School. In another development, the Banjul Sports committee has reached an agreement with GSM service providers Gamcel in a deal that will see the sports committee pocket D75, 000 annually. The agreement involves Gamcel sponsoring the activities of the Banjul Sports Committee together with their super Nawettan team and they utilise the committee’s activities to promote their products. ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask]