Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue Issue No. 123/2007, 19 – 21 October 2007 Editorial The Plight of The Gambian Farmer Agriculture is reported to be providing a means of income to 80 per cent of Gambia’s labour force and contributes 29 per cent of GDP. It is a major foreign exchange earner for the country. 29 per cent of GDP is equivalent to 952 million dalasi. However, 70 per cent of the people living in the rural areas are said to be earning less than 1 dollar a day. These statistics are not invented by Foroyaa. They are manufactured from the raw materials constituting facts provided by the APRC administration. The cause of the poverty of the groundnut producer is attributable to government policy and management of the groundnut subsector. What is the evidence? In the 2003/2004 cropping season, the farmers are reported to have produced 92, 937 metric tonnes of groundnuts. In the 2004/2005 cropping season, the quantity of groundnuts produced increased to 135,698 metric tonnes. In the 2005/2006 season, the figure rose to 140, 660 metric tonnes. The farmers have been doing their best to produce despite the high prices of fertilizer and other farm inputs. The major problem has been the marketing and financing of the crop. In 2004 the government had a Secretary of State who was associated with the groundnut sector for years in the first republic. The farmers were promised the heavens and the earth but to no avail. The Nation was informed before the 2004/2005 cropping season that a new company, that is, The Gambia Agricultural Marketing Company GAMCO had been set up to make credit buying in the groundnut trade history. The government went into a face building exercise by claiming that GAMCO had the requisite funds to buy the whole crop and that a regulatory framework had been created which would not allow any operator in the Market whose business does not satisfy the criteria established for their operation. The small traders were banned from buying groundnuts and all cross border sales were suppressed with unimaginable intolerance. Did GAMCO salvage the farmers? NO. It threw them into the abyss of uncertainty. The trade season which followed the birth of GAMCO was a disaster. The Parliamentarians who were hoodwinked by GAMCO into believing that the problem of credit buying was over received a rude shock when the farmers in their constituencies told them that things could not be worse. The rude shock turned into astonishment when it was gathered that GAMCO received loans amounting to 120 million dalasis from local banks relying on social security, a public enterprise, as guarantor. After the 2005/2006 season it became clear that GAMCO was a white elephant which could not rescue the farmers. In fact when the President addressed Parliament in 2006, he claimed that out of 135,698 tonnes of groundnuts produced only 30,000 metric tonnes constituted the commercial crop. When he addressed Parliament in March 2006, when any trade season on groundnuts should have come to an end, he could only mention that 10,000 metric tonnes of groundnuts had been bought. The president said recently that he has been able to develop the country without the help of the traditional donors. Unfortunately, the groundnut sub sector has not benefited from the heavenly banks. As the trade season drew near, Foroyaa interviewed the SOS for Trade hoping that the government will give assurance to the farmers that concrete financiers and mechanisms are in place to purchase the crops for the 2007/ 2008 cropping season. Now the farmers can keep their fingers crossed and rely on hope to give them confidence that after a rainy season of hunger and deprivation they will receive the products of their sweat without unnecessary delay. Foroyaa, however, can assure the Gambian farmer that in this coming trade season nobody will exploit them with impunity without being exposed. It is best for the Departments of State for Agriculture and Trade to open up complaints units as Foroyaa will dispatch journalists to all divisions to publish the names of all the operators in the industry and any complaint of wrong doing by them which are authenticated. We shall publish a special column called Farmers Forum to accommodate all the complaints of the farmers and their organizations as well as the world market and regional market prices for farm produce. We will interview representatives of farmers to start the column. There can be no eradication of poverty without the uplifting of the lives of our Agricultural producers. Dr. Taal Reinstated According to reports reaching Foroyaa, Dr. Saja Taal who was sacked from the position of Managing Director of the Observer Company on Tuesday has been reinstated on Thursday 18 October 2007. Dr. Taal had served in the position since 2005 after taking over from Mr. Momodou Sanyang. Woman Buries Her Baby By Amie Sanneh Calamity besieged Wellingara on Friday when a woman (name withheld) gave birth to a baby boy and buried him alive. The lady who is said to be a resident of Abuko, works as a housemaid at Wellingara,. The report added that after the suspect buried the baby, she put empty plastic bags on top of the grave so that people will not discover what happened; that this situation continued until on Sunday when the landlady discovered that a swarm of flies were flying over the scene of the crime. The landlady is said to have asked people to find out why the flies are in the area. According to a source, the people later discovered a decomposing body at the site where the baby was buried. The report indicated that it was then that the lady suspected her maid and reported the matter to the station. The source indicated that the police at Wellingara Police Station later came and took pictures of the corpse. The suspect was then taken to the clinic and later to the Wellingara Police Station. The dead body was however taken to the mortuary. When the police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka was contacted, he confirmed the story. He said the young lady gave birth to a baby boy on Thursday and buried it early Thursday morning. Inspector Secka added that the police received the information on Sunday. He said the body is at the mortuary and the lady is currently in custody at the police Headquarters in Banjul The PRO revealed that the police are still investigating the matter and the lady will eventually be taken to court. He said she would be charged for committing infanticide. The police spokesperson however warned the general public, especially young girls, to desist from such a practice. West African Human Rights Journalists To Be Trained By ACHPR The African Commission on Human and People Right (ACHPR), an organ of the African Union that is mandated to promote and protect human and peoples rights in Africa, in collaboration with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), is organizing a human rights training workshop for journalist from countries in the West Africa sub-Region. The workshop which is scheduled to take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from 19-20 October 2007 is aimed at training West African Human Right Journalists who will organise similar training in their respective countries. This development was revealed to Journalists on Wednesday 10 October 2007 at a press briefing at the Commission’s Headquarters along Kairaba Avenue.Dr. Feyi Ogunade, Senior Legal officer in charge of promotional Affairs at the African Commission said said “Twelve (12) countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea., Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo are expected to benefit from the training. One journalist will be drawn from each of these countries, except The Gambia, where 6 human rights journalist will be part of the training.” Commenting on the ideals behind the training, Dr. Ogunade said, “Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights provides for the establishment of the African commission on Human and People rights within the OAU, now AU, with the mandate to promote human and people’s rights and ensure their protection in Africa”. He added that Article 45 outlines interpretation of the charter and performing any other duty assigned by the Assembly of Head of State and Governments of the African Union. He explained “as part of its promotional functions, the Africa Commission with support from OSIWA, is training human rights journalist in West Africa on the African charter and the work of the commission. Dr. Ogunade further said that the training will opportune trainees to acquire and explore knowledge and skills on monitoring, reporting and ensuring the implementation of the charter. Rambo Asked To Appear In Court By Bakary B. Ceesay Councillor Ousman Jatta, alias Rambo, who had just breathed the air of freedom after being held for over one year incommunicado, has told this reporter that he was called by the Police at Bakau Police Station and told that the crime management coordinator (CMC) of police had instructed that he should appear at Kanifing Magistrates Court today to answer to pending charges. In June last year, he was arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates Court before the then Principal Magistrate, Mr. Kebba Sanyang. He was charged with using abusive language in public, which can be a threat to state security. He was subsequently remanded for almost two weeks before being granted bail. As the trial proceeded, he was re-arrested by the police and held incommunicado. The Magistrate had promised to strike out the case if the prosecution continued to fail to produce the accused (Rambo) in court. He said, “I will strike out the case as I did to other cases, this case is not exceptional.” However before the subsequent proceedings, the magistrate was appointed SoS for Justice. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY Discrimination In The Family Part 5 Zai Meets Saul’s Lawyer Zainabou met Saul’s lawyer. She explained what Sulayman told her. “That’s a frame up! Which station is he held?” “The Kairaba!” Zai explained. “But you are very late. I waited for you for a while. I am very busy. I have no time. Where are you going now?” Lawyer Coker asked. “I am going to the University ”. “That’s my direction. Hop in!” Zai hopped in and thanked Aminatta for the lift. “Its my pleasure,” she responded. Bani Begs her Mum Bani begged mum to release Saul. “He had learnt his lesson. Now let him go” . Bani went on her knees. Haja bluffed and said. “I warned him! Have you ever seen a lamb dancing in the midst of lions and lionesses?” “No!” Bani replied. “Saul dares me! I am just flexing my muscles to show him who I am in Gambian Society. I am a woman of substance. My voice counts. Who are Saul’s aunts and uncles? Leave him there for a while. I want him to run when he hears ‘Ha’ before adding Ja to it much more Ou to Mu!” She is mean, evil and arrogant. Bani was almost in tears. “Mom! He does nothing to you! He is just in love. Please get him released. He is a nice guy”. “No! He has not suffered enough. Leave him there for another week!” “Another week in that horrible condition? You want him to die? No mum! I’ll do something about it!” Bani stressed. Haja gave a cruel laughter. “Do something about it! I want to rest. Give me a break!” She said. The Police Officers The Head of the investigating Team have conscience. He went to his superior and tried to reason with him. “Sir!” He saluted and was asked to take a seat. “We have investigated Saul’s case. But he is exonerated. His work mates spoke well of him. Some of his close friends suspected foul play. Let us tread with care well. We should not allow ourselves to be used. The soup can turn sour”. The superior is god-fearing. He listened attentively and concluded the same way as his junior. “If his lawyer comes, let us bail him. Has the woman who brought the complaint appeared?” “No! She has not since she gave the complaint”. The junior answered. “Okay! Do as we have agreed”. “Yes Sir!” The junior saluted and left. Barrister Aminatta Coker Barrister Coker is a no-nonsense woman. She is a Human Right Lawyer, highly respected among her peers not only in The Gambia and Africa but Worldwide. She is sharp, deligent and witty. She bailed Saul and drove him to his home. Zai accompanied her to the station. They all returned to Saul’s home. Aminatta spoke. “You are now released on bail. Be very careful. But it still baffled me. How can your future mother-in-law framed you up? Be very careful my friend! Be very careful! She will strike again. But be rest assured! I am ready for her. Nothing good comes easy. Your prize is worth it”. She smiled at Zai. “ She is intelligent, witty, sincere and above all loyal, stick to your love. Victory is surely yours”. Aminatta counseled him. “Thank you Barrister. You are right. Nothing good comes easy. I love Zai. Nothing! Nothing! Not even prison can make me leave her. She is my soul mate. We will survive”. The duo kissed each other. “That is the spirit. Stick together to shame the enemy”. She begged to leave. They bade her good bye and she left. Mom And Her Bad Tricks Haja came into her sitting room and found Bani entertaining her course mates. She dashed into them and asked them unceremoniously to leave her house. “ You!” She pointed to the two guys, one after the other. “Leave my house at once before I release my dogs at you!” The two guys got up and started to leave. “But mom!” Bani started to protest. “They are my course mates”. The guys bade Bani good bye and ran for their lives. “Why did you embarrass my friends like that?” Bani protested. She sulked. “Where is your sister? Is she back?” she tried to trivialize her action. Bani sulked and replied. “She is not back ”. Haja entered her room. Haja Comes To Saul’s House Haja Oumu visited Saul’s house with her orderly. She asked after Zai in Saul’ s house. “An uninvited guest! What evil brought you to my house again? You mean evil! Your presence is evil!” She ignored him and barraged. “Where is my daughter?” Saul became surprised “Evil woman! What are you saying? You harbour my Zai and came her forming the fool! If anything! I say if anything should happen to my dear Saul mater, you’ll be held responsible. You are evil and you know it!” Haja ignored Saul and asked Gas, her Orderly to search Saul’s house inside out, upside down. She saw nothing. Gas came out and announced to her boss that Zainab was not in Saul’s house. She bit her lower lip and hissed. “I’ll be back!” “I’m waiting for you! If anything happens to Zainab you ’ll pay with your blood evil woman!” Saul barked at her. He now disrespected and loathed her evil presence. Haja left with Gas. Haja Is Worried At home Haja went into her bedroom. She contemplated. “Where is Zainabou? Where could she be? She is strong headed and stubborn. She is not with Saul. He is innocent. He threatened me. I hope my daughter is fine Oh! I hope she does nothing stupid!” Haja prayed. Then her mobile rang. She grabbed it with all the energy she can muster. Zai! Where are you? You scare me to death! Come back home. I mean no harm. You are the only two I get. I work and live for you. Please come back home”. She begged. Haja changed her tone. She wanted her daughter back. “I am not coming now. Later maybe! I have to complete my transactions before I come back”. “Where are you? I can come and collect you. Don’ t do this to me my daughter! I need you now. I need you more than ever”. Haja pleaded. Zainab put down the phone. FOCUS ON POLITICS THE FIRST NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE NOT A TALKING SHOP We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have traced the political history of The Gambia from Pre-colonial to Post-Independence era. The narration of events is meant to help our young people to know the past so as to understand the present in order to enable them shape the future. In the last issue we have dealt with the role of commissioners in the political campaign of the ruling party. We have stopped where we said the NCP and GPP decided to contest the BCC elections in an alliance. Let us continue from where we have stopped. Two issues of national and political significance occurred by the end of 1987, which are worth noting. This is the period when the 1st National Education Conference took place from the 21 to 26 September 1987. Interestingly enough, all political parties had been invited to this auspicious occasion, but only PDOIS participated actively. Sidia Jatta and Halifa Sallah represented the PDOIS. The Economists from the Ministry of Economic Planning analyzed the economy and asserted that the major cause of our economic problems was drought and population increase. The PDOIS delegates contributed immensely. They gave analysis of the economic situation and linked it to the problems and solutions of Education. This became a big shock to the Government because it culminated into a huge debate as to whether it was wise for the government to invite the PDOIS to the First National Conference on Education. There were others who felt that it was the noblest thing that the government had done to invite the PDOIS to such a National Conference because of its divergent views. The PDOIS however felt that their presence was indispensable. They emphasized that their presence was so important a factor that it made the National Conference on Education a Conference worth remembering. They argued that because of their participation, it pushed the conference beyond the level of what conferences usually were, i.e. talking shops, where delegates go to eat, drink and be merry and sing praises to government policy no matter how wrong they were. What Issues Embarrassed Government? The issues raised by the PDOIS delegates were described as a ‘Bombshell’ precisely because they raised issues and clarified them in such a bold manner that baffled almost everyone including the foreign delegates from UNESCO etc. The PDOIS delegates contradicted the conclusion made by the economist from the Ministry of Economic Planning that the major cause of our economic problems was drought and population increase. The population of the Gambia at the time was approximately 850, 000 inhabitants. The PDOIS delegates insisted that the primary reason why The Gambian economy was in that state of crisis was the fact that the PPP regime had been taking loans after loans without investing all these millions in the productive sectors of the economy. They argued that it had instead concentrated the wealth in few hands, which consequently stagnated the economy while the national debt was on the increase. The PDOIS delegates asserted that government was now taking millions from The Gambian people to pay interest on loans that had not benefited them in any significant way. They drew the attention of the conference to the fact that government had currently spent over D137 million Dalasi to finance interest on loans, which was equivalent to almost half the national budget. They argued that this could have enabled government to build the necessary schools and equip them satisfactorily. The two delegates emphasized that whilst the conference may proceed to formulate an education policy that was worthy of the name for the year 2000, they should also simultaneously task themselves with what was inevitable and even more imperative, the building of a viable National economic base. This they argued would essentially be the source of strength, the fundamental pillars on which the education system must rest. The PDOIS warned that unless the causes of our present economic crisis were given sufficient attention, the conference would end up making the people pay for the mismanagement of the economy by the present regime. The PDOIS delegates also warned against introducing a cost recovery scheme in education in the name of making it more accessible to the people, that was likely to lead to the scraping of the skinless backs of our already terribly impoverished people only to achieve the opposite of what was schemed. According to Foroyaa, the representative from the Ministry of Economic Planning could not refute the contentious issues raised by the PDOIS delegates and at the end of the sessions the atmosphere became so tense that a European delegate remarked: “That was good. It was a bombshell”. Foroyaa observed that at that stage, the organizers of the conference began to hand down what it called the “Thou Shalls” and ‘’Thou Shall nots” without inviting the participants to take part in plotting the way sessions were to be conducted. It was at this stage, observed the Foroyaa that the infamous ruling was made that presentations of papers would not be allowed to exceed twenty minutes even though those who had prepared papers were not given any time limitations while they were being invited to make presentations. They also limit contributions on the floor to only two minutes. Foroyaa asked how on earth could the education system be subjected to the critical evaluation necessary in so short a time and how could planners “take into account the legitimate concerns and intimate convictions of the members of the general public” at the behest of the vice president when everything had to be rushed? Foroyaa then concluded that it was very clear from the very beginning that the new sense of direction and purpose, which was to be given to education by taking into account the legitimate concerns and ultimate convictions of the public were going to be short-lived. Other panelists stated that the purpose of Gambian education should be to “ create a good society and a good life for all its members” Foroyaa however argued by asking “isn’t the material conditions; the way the society is organised responsible for the present attitudes and values of its citizens; that would it help a person much to be educated on how to be clean when one has to swim through muddy water daily? The paper asserted that education at the time only prepared a person to either be up or down; that it promotes elites on the one hand and what it described as “squeeze outs” on the other. The PDOIS delegates expressed their ardent conviction that it was beyond the capacity and outside of the plans of the PPP regime to build in their words “ an egalitarian society” whatever that meant; that alluding to such egalitarian society would continue to remain an empty phrase. Interestingly enough, to the dismay of the conference participants, the chairperson at this stage ordered the microphone to be switched off. Was it that the truth was becoming too bitter to swallow? Asked the foroyaa. Sidia Jatta, one of the PDOIS leaders, could not deliver his paper on National languages. The organizers of the conference reduced the time frame for presentation of papers. Sidia was supposed to present a paper on adult literacy and national languages. While he got up to appeal for more time the organizers argued that there was no time; that all that they could allocate for him was five minutes, which they argued had in fact elapsed during the push and pull. The outcome of the conference, not withstanding its relevance, can be summed up as follows; middle schools were introduced for the first time in the school system which had caused anxiety among the parents. According to President Jawara, in his address to Parliament,he stressed that they must make every effort and seek to allay parental concerns about the nature and evolution of the middle schools. The rationale behind the arrangement of locating middle schools in high schools was said to be a temporary measure designed to maximize the use of available space in order to prevent any reduction in the transition rate, which stood at 43.8% in the year 1990. The next thing was to expand the existing facilities and the building of more middle schools. Where would the money come from? The EDF provided D7.7 million dalasis and the European Union provided D4.5 million dalasis for rehabilitation work, which was supposed to be completed by December 1993. According to President Jawara, textbooks rental scheme had been established to ensure availability at a fee that was deemed affordable. The second most important thing that occurred during the period was that the Workers Union paid a courtesy call on the president thanking him for helping to re-register the union. Foroyaa quoted Section 23 of the constitution which gave Gambians the right to form unions and asked, why must any person be thanked for the registration of a union? According to Foroyaa the union assured the president of their support for the ERP, which had led to the retrenchment of thousands of workers, even though the same government has accepted to pay 72 million Dalasis being loan given to private Gambians, which could have provided jobs for the workers. Foroyaa opined that Trade unions came into being to defend the interest of workers. With trade unions that support the ERP, the Gambia Workers should now turn to political parties like PDOIS, which is working for viable political change for salvation. It added that Unions now seem to benefit only union leaders. This was the time Mr. Araba Bah replaced the late Mr. M.E Jallow as leader of the Gambia Workers Union and was subsequently appointed by the president as a nominated member to the House of Parliament. Would he genuinely represent workers or would he represent the president’s interest, even where it conflicts with the workers interest? This became the question of the day. See next edition of Focus as we wrap up the narration of events for the historic year ,1987. 2 Men Arrested In Badidou For Armed Robbery By Ousman M.M.Jallow Information reaching Foroyaa has it that two men, a Gambian and a Senegalese, were arrested in the Badibous for their alleged involvement in armed robbery cases which occured in two Central Badibou Villages (Kerr Pateh and Kerr Katim Wollof), some time in December, last year. According to sources, one Mr. Keita, a Gambian and native of Samba Nudou village in Upper Badibou, and one Basiru Touray believed to be a Senegalese national from Sinhu Alagie, a border village in Senegal, were both arrested by the Police Intervention Unit (PUI) stationed at Kerewan, in the North Bank Region. They are said to have been detained at Kerewan before being moved to Police Headquarters in Banjul. According to Basiru Touray’s, the relatives he was called by his business counterpart, one Amet Faal, a Mauritanian businessman at Kerr Pateh village, to go and collect his goods from him; that Faal supplies goods to Mr. Touray. They explained that upon arrival at Kerr Pateh with his horse cart, Touray was arrested by the members of PIU. Mr. Keita;s relatives also confirmed his arrest at his village by the PUI from Kerewan. When contacted the police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka confirmed the arrest and detention of the duo. Secka said they are charged for armed robbery and would be taken to court. It could be recalled that in December 2006, Foroyaa reported an armed robbery incident in Central Badibou, where a Mauritania businessman was left with almost chopped arm and his shop doors riddled with shots. SOS Tourism Embarks On A Familiarisation Tour By Saikou Ceesay As part of her efforts to bolster the tourism sector, SoS Colley with delegates turnout to address issues in close collaboration with the stakeholders and workers to overcome obstacles that lie ahead. In presenting her paper at Bailey’s Beach Bar, SoS Colley buttressed on marketing, adding that it’s of paramount interest to upgrade and promote the marketing in all sphere of live. Addressing the Beach Bar owners among stakeholders SoS Coley called for quality services to be rendered. She gave advice on proper approaches on guests, visitors and even security personnel. SoS Colley said the Beach Bar owners should not use their places to harbor criminals and bumsters suggesting to them to provide uniforms for their employees for easy identification. SoS Colley expressed the need for employees to be trained in a bid to enable them execute their duties. SoS Colley further dwelt on the urgency for craftmarket owners, Beach Bar owners and boat owners to beautify and modify their business environment. Mr. Kaliba Senghore, the Director General of The Gambia Tourism Authority urged the boat owners to develop their premises and join together to establish an association that would address their needs and particularly issues affecting their lives. Mr. Senghore dwelt on the need to speak with one voice, under one umbrella. He further dwelt on the issue of concession and said GTA has not given out any beach bar but they are strengthening and supporting beach bars. Mr. Senghore pointed out that beach bar owners will be treated on their merits. On the issue of marketing Mr. Senghore said beach bars in The Gambia should be modelled like the ones in Madrid Spain. He said each year they receive six percent increase on the figures. Other speakers include Mrs. Binta Jobe, Ida Jeng among others. They all appealed for the need to work in vision to approach GTA on issues affecting their businesses. For his part, Justice Kabero Camara mentioned one problem they are faced with adding that normally security personnel would come to arrest someone infront of tourists; that would give bad reputation about the Beach Bar and loss of trust in the eyes of tourists. At the Banjul Craftmarket the delegation was welcomed by sonnch epoching an artist beating his drums singing and praising The Gambia tourism sector and GTA. Measles Campaign Slated For November 27 By Yaya Bajo The Programme Manager of Health Education Unit at the Department of State for Health, Mr. Amadou Sowe, has told Foroyaa that the forthcoming measles campaign will start from 27 November to 3 December, 2007. Mr. Sowe commented that although measles immunization coverage in The Gambia is high; the disease is still endemic, occasionally causing epidemics. He added that children who did not receive measles immunization are not protected and can catch the disease. In light of this, he continued, the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the partners, deems it necessary to conduct the campaign. “All children from nine (9) months to five (5) years will be immunized country-wider,” he said. On how the campaign will be conducted, Mr. Sowe explained that vaccination teams will be stationed at one central location in the village where mothers and caretakers are expected to bring their children for vaccination. “In big villages and towns, the teams will move from one designated area to another. eg Barnabas, market centres and schools, etc, and some health facilities will have a team that will be stationed there throughout the campaign,” he disclosed. Mr. Sowe finally called on the general public to come out en-masse to ensure the success of the campaign. In Sheriff Minteh’s Murder Trial First Witness Cross-Examined By Musa Barrow The murder case of the late Sheriff Minteh, a youth who died in mysterious circumstances early this year, on Tuesday 16 October 2007 resumed before Magistrate Buba Jawo at Bundung Magistrate Court. The proceeding on Tuesday was attended by defence counsel, Sheriff Tambedou who requested for the cross examination of the first prosecution witness to be done in chambers. According to the defence lawyer, this is because the witness is a minor. The court granted the request and the cross examination was done in chambers. In his cross examination of the prosecution’s first witness Ebrahima Minteh who is a brother to Sheriff Minteh, Lawyer Tambedou asked the former to tell the court where Sheriff Minteh was when the police vehicle arrived in their compound that particular night. The witness responded that the deceased was sitting in a shop that belongs to one Ebrahima Njie, which is located near their compound. Lawyer Tambedou further asked the young lad whether there were streetlights in London Conner when the incident took place and also how visible was it. The witness said there were no streetlights in London Conner when the incident was taking place and he could only see some few meters away. Lawyer Tembedou also asked Ebrahima Minteh whether he could identify the colour of the handle of the knife allegedly used to stab his brother. He answered by saying “I think the colour of the handle is black”. When the defence Lawyer Tambedou told Ebrahima Minteh, “Don’t you think your brother while running might have stumbled and crashed against an outer root of a big tree?” Ebrahima Minteh responded in the negative. After the cross-examination, the trial was adjourned till Tuesday 23 October 2007. Market Vendors Evicted By Modou Jonga Reliable reports had it that the Brikama Area Council recently evicted more than one hundred fruit and vegetable vendors at the Triangular Space at the Brikama Market opposite the Guaranty Trust Bank Branch. Reports indicate that the Triangular area was sometime this year, sold by the Council to a Dutch woman and her Gambian partner for the construction of a Bar and Restaurant. It is also reported that the vendors were evicted by the Council without a notice and that no proper arrangements were made by the Council for the relocation of the evicted vendors. Speaking to this reporter, Aminata Kuyateh, Ndey Jarju and Siya Camara, all evicted vendors, lamented that they were evicted from the triangular area by the council without notice. They noted that they were asked by staff of the council to move out of the area following the commencement of the fencing of the area by those contracted to build a Bar and Restaurant at the site. According to them, the council did not make efforts to facilitate their relocation and that they are currently stationed at the other end of the triangular area. They told this reporter that the space they now occupy is less spacious and is not conducive for business .The three evicted vendors urged the management of the council to make arrangements for their relocation. They lamented that the eviction exercise has affected them economically. They further appealed to the council to relocate them to an accessible, spacious and business friendly area in the shortest possible time. “We pay dues daily to the council, therefore our predicament should be urgently addressed by the council,” said one of the women. Nato Gitteh and Kaddy Ceesay all evicted vendors also expressed similar concerns. They lamented that the said area is where they obtained their survival and that the council should relocate them to a proper site. An evicted vegetable vendor, Fatou Sonko, revealed that prior to the said eviction, she and her evicted colleagues were asked to relocate by the council. Ebrima Sanneh, Gambian partner to the Dutch Woman, refuted claims that the said Area is sold to them by the council. He said the council leased it to them for five years. Mr. Sanneh declined to comment. Further. The Brikama market manager, Mr. Bunja Jadama, explained that the evicted vendors were notified; that the notices were signed by him. Mr. Jadama noted that a two-week eviction notice was given to the evicted vendors prior to the said eviction. On his part, the Public Relations Officer of the Brikama Area Council, Mr. Seringe Joof reiterated that the triangular area is not sold but leased by the Council to the said Gambian and his foreign partner. Mr. Joof said the contract is for a duration of seven years and that sixty thousand dalasi has to be paid to the council yearly. The BAC PRO noted that at the end of leasing period, the Council would decide to either extend the leasing contract or to terminate it. “Council does not sell anything,” PRO Joof said Man Accused of Killing His Brother By Fabakary B. Ceesay and Modou Jonga The Jallow family of Dimbaya village, in Kombo Central, was on Monday 8 October struck by the news that one of its sons allegedly beheaded his elder brother. According to reports, the victim of the alleged fratricide, Mr. Modou Bailo Jallow, and the suspect (name withheld) left home on Monday to look for charcoal in Cassamance where this unfortunate incident took place. Sources explained that the younger brother chopped off his elder brother’s head and put it in a sack and placed it on the victim’s chest. Sources added that the dead body was abandoned in the bush; that the villagers who subsequently alerted the police at Brikama Police Station discovered it. The Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Sulayman Secka, confirmed the story and disclosed that the suspect is currently held at Brikama Police Station and is helping the police in their investigations. Inspector Secka said they understood that the victim and the suspect were involved in a brawl, but their family members intervened and resolved the matter amicably at the family level before the duo left for the bush. He said that the incident happened in Southern Cassamance but the accused and the victim are from The Gambia. Inspector Secka noted that the accused would be charged with murder when the investigations are over. However, PRO Secka could not confirm whether or not the victim was beheaded. TOSTAN Train Facilitators on Community Empowerment Programme By Lamin Fatty TOSTAN – Unicef in collaboration with the Gambia Government through the National Women’s Bureau began a month training of its facilitators on Kobi one and two of the community empowerment programme (CEP) of the regional Education Office in Basse at Joseph Furu Gomez Hotel respectively. Mr. Bakary Tamba, the National Coordinator of TOSTAN Gambia said based on the successful implementation of Kobi (1) by the various communities, TOSTAN and Unicef expand their intervention to another forty communities within the four zones of the TOSTAN intervention. According to Mr. Tamba, human rights is very important in the lives of human beings, that without respecting that there cannot be democracy and without democracy there is no peace, he said. He adviced the participants to take the training seriously despite the fact that we are in the fasting month; that their purpose of attending the training was to acquire knowledge and contribute to the empowerment of their respective communities upon their return. Mr. Njaga Khan the CDO said it is a very difficult task, stating that adults cannot be forced to learn but can learn best when they are ready to learn. He commended TOSTAN for complementing the efforts of the Gambia Government’s development activities. For her part the representative of Unicef in Basse, Mrs. Satou Barrow pointed out that Unicef-Gambia Government country programme of cooperation is highly concentrating on KMC and the Upper River region. He reiterated that TOSTAN is part and parcel of the activities that are to be implemented since according to her, most of the activities will come through their way. She urged them to keep up the momentum in their empowerment process. In his opening remarks, the Governor of URR Alagie Omar Khan commended the respective communities for registering remarkable success during the first phase of the implementation stating that it is the reason for the expansion of the program to the other communities. He said it is a challenge for every body in the region particularly the supervisors and facilitators to make the programme successful. He thanked the Unicef, TOSTAN and the Gambia Government for coming up with such a good programme and adviced the facilitators who are to work with these communities to work hard like the way they are doing with other communities. The training was chaired by Mr. Edrissa Keita of the National Women’s Bureau. Sainey and Mansally Return to Toronto By Modou Nyang The Gambian US based duo and New England Revolution players Sainey Nyassi and Abdoulie Mansally, tomorrow, return to the Toronto National Stadium their place of reckoning to Play Toronto FC in the Revs last fixture in the MLS regular season. Sainey and Mansally saw their professional football ambitions turn to fruition in Canadian soil following some eye catching performances during the Fifa U – 20 world Cup this summer. Sainey’s pacy and forward approach in taking on defenders and Mansally’s power and goal scoring touch, caught the eye of Revolution officials who acted quickly to snap them up. Mansally scored a swerving freekick to earn the Gambia a famous victory against Portugal in Montréal in a 2-1 win, and the rising Gambian youngster is already on it for the revs having already scored twice for the reserve team. Last week he scored to level for the Revs reserves with a repeat of his trademark freekick against the Portuguese back on 8th July in Montréal. The two has so far made a couple of appearances as substitutes for the first team and have been keeping match fit playing for the reserve team. Sainey Nyassi already has two goals to his credit in the reserves division. New England Revolution tomorrow crosses the border for the first time in the club’s history to face Toronto FC for their last match in the MLS regular season. Toronto FC plays in the USA Major League Soccer MLS, Eastern Conference league and they cross the border south into the US to play away matches. This is Toronto’s first season in the MLS, the first non US team in the 11 year history of the league. Tomorrow’s game will be the third meeting between New England and Toronto FC this season, their first two took place at the Revs home ground, Gillette Stadium. New England won both matches. SK East: Milan Through to Finals By Isatou Bittaye Serrekunda East Nawettan campaigners AC Milan, has made it to the final after defeating TK Snookers on Tuesday. They now await the winner of the match between Maccassa and Zurich for the grand showpiece. Milan won 2-1 following a pulsating affair at the Serrekunda East playing grounds. Salifu Badjie put Milan ahead just three minutes after kickoff and as if to make things worse for Snookers, they were reduced to 10 in the field when Saihou Ceesay was sent-off.But they fought back to level the score in the second half through Ebrima Jawara in the 60th minute. But when Snookers were hoping to pull a surprise with a man down Milan struck back nine minutes later to seal victory. Ousainou Sarr was the hero for Milan when he scored to winner in the 69th minute. Milan then missed a series of chances to extend their lead. The second semi final match on Thursday between Maccassa FC and Zurich FC was tied after normal regulation time to a goalless draw. And either side failed to overcome the other during penalty shootouts after seven kicks apiece. They were tied to 6-6. The match has been postponed until another date. This may also result to the postponement of the final which was due on Sunday. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com 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]