Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues Issue No. 139/2007, 26 – 27 November 2007 Editorial They Keep Him In Office And Curse Him In Secret Reading the criticisms of Jammeh’s regime by young literate Gambians in the Diaspora, one is bound to gather authentic information on the repeated cases of violation of human rights, endless violations and amendments of the constitution and the alarming frequency of removal from and appointments into public office. However the outcry is not only coming from Jammeh’s opponents, it is also coming from those who are working within the corridors of power. Why is Jammeh not listening? Jammeh is not listening because he gains more friends than he loses by removing one person and appointing another. Once he removes a person the associates of such a person become disgruntled for a while as the person tries to get closer again in anticipation of a rapprochement. The associates of the newly appointed person would start their jubilation even before the appointment is formalized. This is how most dismissals are known. Once a person is approached for appointment, which must be done before a post becomes vacant, the news spreads like wild fire that the person occupying the place is about to be dismissed. The celebrations will start and those who used to condemn the regime because of distance from the corridors of power would now be its praise singers. Some months ago a supporter of an opposition party was seen in her best dress going to the inauguration of a newly appointed chief in Kiang West. Her neighbour was very surprised that she was going to the ceremony because of her vehement opposition to the regime. When she asked her what had changed, she retorted: If you are asked to side with yourself or another person who would you choose? The reply was clear. The appointed chief was a member of her clan. She would therefore prefer to side with the member of her clan and proceed to support the APRC. If the clan of the person who is removed is still hoping and the clan of the person who is appointed becomes elated, how will the frequent changes in appointment lead to his alienation? Instead of examining the problem to find a solution many of Jammeh’s critics would accuse these post seekers as pseudo intellectuals who deserve only contempt. The truth however is that Jammeh has made himself owner of what belongs to all and is giving it away according to his whims and caprices. In actual fact, the public service derives its revenue from the taxpayers’ money and all the people are entitled to public service on the basis of equal opportunity and to assume public office on the basis of merit. Hence the problem is not the public servant but the system, which makes him or her the servant of a person rather than that of a sovereign nation and people and which goes with security of tenure and autonomy from politically motivated decisions and motivations. Hence all those who subscribe to the emergence of a professional public service where people occupy public office on the basis of merit and are accorded security of tenure irrespective of their place of origin or other affiliations should accept that the APRC has failed and should be replaced by a government which will be committed to the principle of linking taxation to the right to deliver public service according to merit and benefit from public service according to need. Every Gambian has the right to exercise one’s freedom of expression. The interest young Gambian intellectuals have taken in the way the country is governed is commendable. However it is important for them to combine the exposures with proposals on what to do to change the system. In short, while they do the exposures those who support the regime are bringing containers of football gears to establish football academies to draw the youths into their camp. The middle persons are sent to influential elders. Chiefs, alkalolu or village head men and religious leaders to appoint them to be members of the committee of elders, who are given kola nuts, sugar, rice and even fares to go to Mecca in exchange for their support for the regime. In fact, Jammeh’s first move when he had the ambition to stand for election was to caution every one that politics was a dirty affair. This simply refers to the politics of intimidation and inducement. If Gambians abroad are interested in combating dirty politics to bring about progressive change they must be willing to identify the political forces which have a track record in going to the community and villages to enlighten people and provide them with the resources to do so in a consistent and sustained manner. Those who can come should do so and show by example how real intellectuals contribute to change in contrast to the people they term as pseudo intellectuals. Those who cannot come should provide the resources for thousands of youth to be mobilized to meet the people in their communities and farms to sensitise them. They would have to do what the supporters of the regime are doing. They must contact the football teams to get the football gears, raise funds for projects in villages and encourage their families to give support to the forces of enlightenment and change. If this is not done all the exposures will be mere words on paper. ECOWAS COURT SITS TODAY The Community Court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to sit today after adjourning the judgment on the case of the “ disappearance” of Chief Ebrima Manneh, a reporter for “Daily Observer” newspaper in November 20, 2007. According the Media Foundation for West Africa the case set for judgment was adjourned when the judge was reported to be ill and had travelled overseas for treatment. Before the adjournment of the case, which was observed by Ghanaian human rights lawyer, Akoto Ampaw and an American media lawyer, Dan Byron, the Court said although the sick judge been replaced under Article 22 of the protocol establishing the Court, the new judge only received the documents on the case on the day set for judgment. The Court further observed that it was not possible for the new judge to make any contribution. The Court therefore adjourned the case to November 26 for a fresh hearing of the case. It directed Manneh’s lawyers, led by Femi Falana, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and president of the West Africa Bar Association (WABA), to present all necessary evidence on the matter on the new judgment date. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) filed a legal suit at the sub-regional court to compel the government of President Yahya Jammeh to immediately release and produce Manneh from arbitrary detention since July 2006. At the Court’s hearing on July 16, 2007, the Gambia government failed to make an appearance and no explanation was also offered. The Community Court therefore adjourned the case to September 26 to enable it duly serve the Gambian government for the second time. The court confirmed that the Gambian government was duly served with the hearing notice through its High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. Again, the government failed to appear. In reaction to the continuous demands for the release of Chief Manneh the police have denied ever arresting him. Allegation Against Senegalese Government in Court By Bubacarr K. Sowe The nine alleged Senegalese insurgents who are standing trial at the Banjul Magistrates Court were receiving three million CFA Francs every month from the Senegalese government, a prosecution witness told the court on Thursday, November 22. The group is charged with espionage, planning attack on Senegal and illegal possession of Gambian national documents. The prosecution witness, Amadou Sanneh of the Serrekunda Police Station, told the court that one of the accused persons, Abdou Salam Jammeh confessed to him that they received three million CFA from the Senegalese authorities through one Latif Hydara in Senegal. “They used it in their operations and shared it with other factions in Cassamance,” the witness said. Mr. Sanneh told the court that they found about seven million, seven hundred and ninety thousand CFA francs and one thousand euros with the insurgents. He said the other items he discovered from the insurgents were two motorcycles, a laptop, a camera, a bag of talisman (Jujus), a cashbook, map of The Gambia, map of Senegal, military camouflage clothes, military boots and AK 47 magazines. Mr. Sanneh added that they also found pictures of key military installations in The Gambia such as State House and Fajara Barracks with the insurgents. The prosecution witness testified that on May 18, 2007 he was informed by the Crime Management Coordinator of The Gambia Police Force to report to the National Intelligence Agency Headquarters (NIA) in Banjul where a panel was formed to investigate the activities of the alleged insurgents in The Gambia. He said the first to appear before the investigative panel was Abdou Salam Jammeh who told them that he is from Cassamance and that he is a resident of Brakemen Nyambai. Mr. Sanneh added that Mr. Jammeh was asked whether he has a right to be in The Gambia, and he said he has a Gambian passport, birth certificate and identity card. “He was asked about his MFDC activites. He said he is not an MFDC member but their marabout, especially the group of five based in The Gambia,” the witness recalled. He said the group of five is constituted by Nuha Jammeh, Sidat Jarju, Ebrima Colley (all on trial), Hatab Jatta and Kasaly Sonko (both at large). According to Mr. Sanneh, the group of five have been sponsored by the Senegalese government and they are here representing the other factions fighting in Cassamance. Mr Sanneh narrated that Abdou Salam Jammeh told the panel that he was given money on two occasions to buy arms but he diverted it for his own use. He testified that Jammeh said he was confronted to pay it. According to him, Jammeh said he was expecting money from his brother in Germany. “He was asked if he is willing to give a statement and he answered in the positive. I was asked to go with him in one of the offices to obtain his statement”. The witness said he then invited one Tijan Bah, a retired civil servant to serve as an independent witness and introduced them to each other. “I then took out a cautionary form and told him that whatever he said could be used in court as evidence and that he is free to say what he wished. He then signed and the independent witness also signed,” the prosecution witness told the court. Mr. Sanneh also said the accused person then wrote his statement and signed it at the bottom. “I also put in my name as the officer present and finally the independent witness signed,” he said. The prosecution witness testified that Abdou Salam Jammeh later appeared on May 30 and June 5 to clarify certain issues and was again asked if he is willing to make a statement, and he agreed. He said the same procedure was applied and the same independent witness attended the recording of the statement. On May 21, 2007, according to Mr. Sanneh another accused person, Nuha Jammeh, was questioned by the investigating panel and he told them that he was from Cassamance and that he is a member of the MFDC, part of the group of five based in The Gambia and the one responsible for their finance. Mr. Sanneh narrated that Nuha Jammeh confessed that he has a Gambian Identity card, money, camera, laptop, military boots and camouflage, AK 47 magazines, the motorcycles, cash book, maps of The Gambia and Senegal and the pictures. According to Mr. Sanneh, Nuha Jammeh said they received the money monthly from Latif Hydara with the knowledge of the Senegalese Embassy in The Gambia. Mr. Sanneh said the money is received at Praia Motel in Serrekunda and shared within the group of five and those in Cassamance. The witness said Nuha admitted owning one of the motorcycles that is among the many motorcycles and vehicles given to them by the Senegalese authorities. He added that Nuha was asked if he is willing to make a statement, which he agreed to and they went with an independent witness to an office where he was cautioned and his statement recorded. He said Nuha volunteered to make the statement, which was signed by the three of them, and it was translated to him in Wollof and he did not ask for anything to be amended. Mr. Sanneh told the court that he could recognise Nuha’s statement because it is in his own handwriting. He said the accused person did re-appear before the investigating panel but no statement was obtained from him. On May 24, 2007, Mr. Sanneh said the 7th accused person; Joseph Jatta was brought before the panel and he acknowledged being a member of the MFDC, and said he has a Gambian identity card. According to the prosecution witness, Joseph said he has no relationship with the group of five based in The Gambia. He said Joseph agreed to give a statement and he went with him to an office where he took a statement from him, applying the same procedure as in the case of Nuha and Abdou Salam with the independent witness present. Mr. Sanneh said Joseph volunteered to give his statement and it was read to him in Wollof to his satisfaction and all of them signed it. He said he could recognise the statement if it is shown to him. He said the accused person made no other statement. The trial continues on Wednesday and Thursday before Magistrate B.Y Camara. Marabout Sowe To Appear in Court By Fabakary B. Ceesay Marabout Hamadi Sowe who is charged with concealment of treason 006, is to appear before Justice Mabel Maame Yamoa of the high court on 5 December. Marabouout Sowe was supposed to stand trial alongside Captain Abdoukarim Jah, Captain Pierre John Mendy, Lieutenant Momodou Alieu Bah, Corporal Samba Bah, Lance Corporal Badou Janha and Private Alagie Nying. His case was later separated from the case of the soldiers who were later sent to the court martial for the same charges. Marabout Sowe was arraigned before Justice Sanji Monageng. His case did not proceed since November last year as the state intended to withdraw the case from the court. Hamadi Sowe has since then not been appearing in court. The case was called on Thursday and the State Counsel, Marley Woods informed the new judge of the transfer of the case of the soldiers to the court martial. She told the court that it is only left with Marabout Sowe to answer to the charges. The trial judge asked for the reason for Marabout Sowe’s absence in court on that day. The Prision Waders indicated that they were not informed to bring Sowe to court on the day. Justice Yamoa then ordered for Hamadi to be brought before her on December 5 for the case to proceed. It could be recalled that Mrs. Marley Woods had in November last year informed Justice Monageng about the state’s intention to withdraw the case against the accused, but that plan has not been effected. Hamadi Sowe was arrested at his residence at Ebo Town after the March 21, 2006 coup plot was foiled. Fatoumatta Dem’s Murder Trial Moved To Children’s Court By Bubacarr K. Sowe The criminal division of the High Court on Thursday, November 22, transferred the murder case of Fatoumatta Dem to the Children’s Court after discovering that she was a juvenile at the time she committed the alleged offence. Mrs. Dem is accused of murdering one Batoli Dem of Dongoroba village in 2005. The transfer of the case to the juvenile court came on the heels of an argument by the defence counsel, Lamin Camara which prompted a medical investigation to determine the accused person’s age. The medical report has shown that Mrs. Dem is eighteen years above this year, meaning that she was sixteen years old in 2005. DOSH Holds Press Briefing On Integrated Measles Campaign By Sarjo Camara Singhateh The Department of State for Health and Social Welfare convened a press briefing on the forthcoming measles campaign slated for the period 27 November to 3 December 2007. The briefing took place at the Department’s conference hall on the 22 of November 2007. Speaking at the meeting the Permanent Secretary of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sulayman Samba, stated that the campaign is a very important one and the media’s presence is highly solicited. He commended the media for their usual cooperation. On his part, the Manager for Expanded Programme on Immunization, Mr. Kebba Gibba, said, three years ago his Department targeted 93% but this year they are targeting 95% country/- wide coverage among children from 6 to 59 months. He said that would affect over 246,000 children nation-wide. He stated that the campaign would integrate three areas: de-worming, vitamin A and measles. He said with or without clinic cards people should ensure that their children benefit from the campaign. He said this year’s exercise would be inclusive of trained medical staff in each of the 238 teams. On his part Mr. Amadou Sowe, the Manager of Health Education Unit, said the media has responded well during the regional and community sensitisation all over the country. He stated that the venue for the launching would be at the July 22nd Square instead of the previous venue in Kanilia. Mr. Katim Touray, Health Programme Officer of Red Cross Society, said this time the measles vaccination requires technical experts, as it involves injection. He announced that the Red Cross Society, as partners, footed the bill of the training and payments of the volunteers as part of their contribution to national development. Mr. Yoro Bah of the Health Education Unit chaired the programme. In her closing remarks, Mrs. Yamoundow Lowe Jallow, appealed to the public and private sector to come to their aid as they are short of vehicles. She said they need 124 vehicles and they secured only 73 leaving them with a balance of 49 vehicles. In another development the Gambia Red Cross Society has also embarked on a pre-week campaign for the forth-coming country-wide measles campaign slated for 27th-3rd December, 2007. Speaking to this reporter, the Health Programme Officer Mr KatimTouray said the Red Cross is both a partner of Government and the United Nations Children’ s Fund and are solely involved in the sensitization before the pre-week exercise. Mr Njie said they lack financial resources but are blessed with Human resources, which they are using as partners, and their main aim is to eradicate measles, he stressed. Team leaders generally expressed that they have difficulty to meet people at their homes because as he said many people are busy harvesting their crops. NaNA Sensitizes 40 Parliamentarians By Sarjo Camara-Singhateh The National Nutrition Agency, on Wednesday, embarked on a two- day sensitization workshop for the National Assembly from 21st to 22nd November, 2007. The main idea behind this meeting is to sensitize Assembly members on the Agency ’s Programmes and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFANS). In her opening statement, the Permanent Secretary Office of the Vice President, Mrs. Fatou Jasseh Kuyateh, said “The members of the National Assembly, our law makers of this country need to be abreast with current developments in nutrition and IBFAN issues”. She said the Agency was established in 2000 under the office of The Vice President. It is mandated to coordinate all nutrition and nutrition related activities in the country including IBFAN Africa activities. Mrs.Jasseh Kuyateh stated that IBFAN is a pro-advocacy network of professionals, institutions, organisations and individuals that advocate for the protection, promotion and support of optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding practices (IYCF). She said IBFAN’s major strategies are to support governments in implementing the global instruments and policies on infant and young child feeding through advocacy and social mobilization, capacity development, networking, information dissemination, and monitoring and evaluation. She said The Gambia has made significant achievements between 1990 and 2007 in the area of nutrition, particularly infant and young child feeding. “This is due to the work of NaNA, its partners and collaborators particularly UNICEF- Gambia,” she noted. During this period exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months has increased from 0% to 45 % and 48% for 4 months,” she noted. “In communities where NaNA is implementing the Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) programme, where more than 60% of mothers deliver, exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months has increased to over 80% due to increased peer support to months” she said. On his welcoming statement, the Acting Director of NaNA, Mr. Momodou C. Phall, said: “Today, November 21 will go down in the annals of the history of NaNA as one of the most successful since this is the first time in the history of the Agency that a meeting brining together such a large number of National Assembly Members has been organised.” “You are the representatives of the people and I believed that when we talk to you we are directly or in indirectly talking to the people. I also believe that whatever is discussed here will surely reach the people outside this conference hall,” he remarked. He promised that at the end of the two- day meeting participants will be adequately informed about the work of IBFAN-Africa, in general, and IBFAN-Gambia chapter, in particular. On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Abdoulie Bojang, said the National Assembly is happy to be associated with NaNA and promise NaNA of their fullest support. FOCUS ON POLITICS 1988 CORRUPTION SCANDALS EDITOR SANNA MANNEH ACQUITTED AND DISCHARGED ON TWO COUNTS, GUILTY ON ONE COUNT With Suwaibou Touray “In a democratic country such as the Gambia, the public certainly is entitled to know what is going on,” Says honourable Grante. We have been focusing on Politics in this column. We have successfully covered the narration of significant political events for the year 1988. We are covering the case of Sanna Manneh versus the state in which Sanna was accused of defamation and Libel. The case was one of the most sensational political trials in the History of the Gambia. Let us follow the rest of the judgment delivered by Hon. Grante in verbatim. As regards the rice deal, there is evidence that Dibba had given preferential treatment to Sainey Sabally the Minister’s brother, and as far as was disclosed in this court, to no other customer of the Gambia Co-operative union. There is evidence that Sainey Sabally bought 1000 bags of rice and paid D100, 000-00 by cheque to the storekeeper Mama Jawo who issued a receipt to Sainey for that amount. As far as Mama Jawo was concerned, it was a sale of 1000 bags of rice. At that time a bag of rice cost D100. Sainey Sabally was able to take delivery of 520 bags. These were loaded on to two Co-operative Union vehicles and taken away. A few days later, Sainey Sabally returned to collect the balance of 480 bags, but by then, the price of a bag of rice had been reduced from D100 to D90. There is evidence before this court that when Sainey Sabally collected the 520 bags, there was enough rice in store to supply him the 1000bags. Sainey Sabally wanted a refund, but Mama Jawo who had sold the rice to him refused, and told him that he had bought a bag of at D100 and he could not be refunded. However, the General Manager Mr. Dibba called Mama Jawo and instructed her to make the refund. This was after Sainey Sabally had referred the matter to Mr. Dibba. Then in order to justify the refund, Mr. Dibba admitted that he wrote on receipt i.e. (Defence Exhibit 7, No. 006451) and put the words “DEPOSIT ACCOUNT”. The cheque was paid not to a “Special Deposit Account” but to the Union’s regular cash sales account and it was entered in the Union’s journal as payment to the Union. Mrs. Mama Jawo told this court that while this case was on, all her receipt books were collected from her by Mr. Dibba. She was surprised to see the words “DEPOSIT ACCOUNT” written on Defence Exhibit 7. She said she never wrote them and she did not know when the words were written. Mr. Dibba who was not present when Sainey Sabally came to buy the 1000 bags of rice, said in evidence that Sainey Sabally only deposited the money for rice. I do not believe him. I find as a fact and I have no doubt at all that Mr. Dibba tried to help Sainey Sabally as he was the brother of the Minister, his friend. There were other buyers of rice on that day apart from Sainey e.g. Dr S J Palmer and Alhaji Sana Jawneh to mention a few, but not one of them was refunded. By admitting writing “Deposit Account” on Defence Exhibit 7, Mr. Dibba was trying to deceive this court. This is an offence for which he can be charged. After Sainey Sabally was refunded D4800, he bought 40 extra bags of rice with part of the money and added them to the 480 bags. The total of 520 bags were again loaded on to two Co-operative Union trucks for Sainey Sabally to take away. The other rice deal came about when, on the 30th July 1987, it was alleged that one Mrs. Thomas, an Administrative Assistant in the Co-operative Union paid the sum of D21, 350-00 in respect of 100 bags of rice for Sainey Sabally. Just over a week later Sainey Sabally went to the General Manager Mr. Dibba for a refund and was refunded D9600-. There is evidence from Mrs. Thomas that she never paid that sum or any other sum on behalf of Sainey Sabally at any time. Looking at the receipt i.e. Defence Exhibit 9B, No. 004166, the Court observed that the words “To Sainey Sabally” was added when a different carbon was used. Was this done to justify a refund to Sainey Sabally? There is also no entry in the journal of the Co-operative Union showing that D21, 350- was ever paid. This is a serious matter and I shall be making an order accordingly. Indeed Sainey Sabally was given D9600. The prosecution submitted that the Defence should have called the Cashier Mr. Jallow who issued the receipt. I do not agree with that proposition. The prosecution knew or ought to have known that Mr. Thomas never paid that money on behalf of Sainey Sabally but chose not to call the cashier. Why then was Sainey Sabally refunded? The court is told that Mr. Dibba, the General Manager authorized the refund. On what grounds was the money paid to Sainey Sabally? The receipt did not show the quantity of rice alleged to have been bought. Only the documents in Defence Exh. 9 showed that the quantity supposed to have been bought was 100 bags of rice. Who told the officers who prepared the documents for the refund that it was 100 bags that had been bought, when the receipt did not show the quantity? This court is led to believe that the whole transaction was not genuine; however, money was paid to the Minister’s brother Sainey Sabally. Sainey Sabally was never called to explain the part he played. The court feels that it would have been more prudent to have called Sainey Sabally as a witness as his name featured prominently in the co-operative deal. The defence has been saying that there was some indirect moves and deals between Saihou Sabally who was then the Minister of Agriculture responsible for policy matters of the co-operative Union and Momodou Dibba, the General Manager of the co-operative Union. The onus was on the prosecution to discharge that burden. This apparently has not been done. We now turn to the supply of petrol. Saihou Sabally said under cross-examination that he bought petrol for his private car and spent D100 per week. Mr. Dibba said that the Minister’s Official car used to be supplied with fuel when he was going on Co-operative Union matters. He forgot that he had earlier said that the Minister had nothing to do with co-operative Union policy and that the Ministry of Agriculture was informed of matters through the Permanent Secretary. However Defence witness 4, i.e. Chernor Njie recalled supplying Saihou Sabally’s private cars with fuel particularly G1A 0500. He said that when this case was on he was queried by Mr. Dibba, the General Manager about information supplied to the Defence. Defence witness No 11 i.e. Kebba Ceesay, the Deputy General Manager said he could remember when he went to the fuel store and found Chernor Njie, the fuel storekeeper extracting petrol vouchers of the Minister for both his private and official cars. Chernor Njie said he was ordered by Mr. Dibba to do so. Kebba Ceesay said they were numerous and that he also had in the absence of Mr. Dibba approved the supply of fuel to the Minister. He said the vouchers were taken to Mr. Dibba and Mr. Dibba took them in his car heading towards Banjul. Those and other vouchers were subpoenaed by the Defence, the other vouchers were produced in court and only one voucher for the supply of fuel to the Minister’s official car was produced. A remark made by Mr. Dibba when he was being cross-examined that if the defence had the voucher numbers they should produce the vouchers, lend support to the fact that the vouchers concerning the Minister’s private and official cars were suppressed by Mr. Dibba. I believe that the fuel vouchers concerning the Minister’s cars were given to Mr. Dibba and he failed to produce them in court. If Saihou Sabally was not his intimate friend, why did he not produce the vouchers? Concealing evidence is an offence, and this court has a very dim view of the behaviour of Mr. Dibba. He has persistently lied to this court on many matters and tried to show the court that his relationship with Saihou Sabally was only on the surface. The Bakau project is another example in which the relationship between Saihou Sabally and Momodou Dibba comes to the forefront. We have heard the evidence of Daddy Sowe that when he went to make enquiries about moneys received from abroad for the garden project, the General Manager, Mr. Momodou Dibba got Mr. Saihou Sabally, the Minister to get him off the project which he Daddy Sowe had initiated. Upon consideration of the totality of the evidence before me and having observed the demeanor of the witnesses, I find, as a fact and I have no doubt whatsoever that the allegations were true and that the publication was for the benefit of the public. In a democratic country such as The Gambia, the public certainly is entitled to know what is going on. It is for the public good that clandestine deals and other related matters should and must be brought to light, so that others who may be tempted to practice such unworthy things will refrain from doing so. It is an open secret that during the course of the trial, several irregularities were highlighted by Defence Counsel during cross-examination of prosecution witnesses revealing top officials of the Gambia Co-operative Union indiscriminately dissipating huge sums of the Union funds in the form of imprests and other related matters, which were not substantially refuted by the prosecution. Although this evidence is not directly germane to the charges before this court, I have decided to refrain from making any comment on the matter. However it is hoped that the authorities concerned would take appropriate measures to redress this embarrassing situation. I therefore find the Accused NOT guilty of count 1, and I acquit and discharge him of this count accordingly. Finally, I wish to thank counsel from both sides for the skill and candour exhibited in conducting this rather complex and intricate case meticulously and with great vigour professionally. To sum up, I find the accused q NOT guilty on count 1, i.e. the charge dealing with Saihou Sabally and I acquit and discharge on that count. q Guilty on count 2, i.e. the charge dealing with Landing Jallow Sonko. q NOT guilty on both parts of count 3, i.e. the charge dealing with Dr Lamin Saho. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ‘TUMAL’ (ACCUSATION) Part 4 By Amie Sillah 18 Years On 18 years past, Emma grew up into a beautiful damsel. Her mum and dad’s genes combined into her. She took some vivid features from her mum and also her fair complexion. She is intelligent and well mannered. Her granny adored her. She is on scholarship. Her books are her friends. She is to sit to the Grade 12 exams. Granny Queries Granny sells at the market. She came to a compound that looks dirty. She called her “Baby E, where are you? Why is the compound like this? She asked. You have not done any sweeping today?” She shouts. Emma came running. “Mummy, I am completing my assignment before I come to do my household chores. It can wait but my exams can’t. Granny softened. “Okay my daughter! Go and read. That is the priority. Your reading gave you the scholarship. Both myself and your brother Victor are proud of you.” Emma smiled and went back to complete her assignment. The exams Emma got through her papers. She had read well and was pleased with herself. As she was going home with her best pal Bintou or BB, Sally ran to catch with them. Sally accused her. “Emma you are selfish. You refused to show me the last question. You are very mean. You always want to top the class”. Emma was crossed with her. “BB! Listen to this ingrate. I have shown her all the answers except the last one. Our supervisor was already there. I would have been caught red handed and you know what that means. Why didn’t you study your books like the two of us? Please! Stop disturbing me! Did I make you a dunce?” Sally has a sharp tongue. “You call me a dunce? But listen and listen well! I may be a dunce but I don’t have a prostitute mother!” “What!” BB was embarrassed. Emma was shocked. “What did you just say? She asked again. “Your mum is a harlot. She was caught at her matrimonial bed making love to her husband’ s boss. Your dad is Victor. He is not your brother as your granny told you. Your granny reared up so that your rotten mother would not contaminate your miserable life.” BB protested. “You should not tell her that. It is wrong.” Emma interrupted. “What is happening? Do you people know what I don’t?” BB tried to trivialized the incident. “Don’t mind Sally. She is mouthy and troublesome”. Emma believed Sally because she said what she was saying with confidence. “Go home and ask your granny. Demand for the truth!” Sally challenged. Confronts Granny Emma went home very sad. Why did grandma deceive her. She met granny at home. She addressed her. “Grandma!” Aunty Ebi answered her. “So it is true?” “ What is true?” Granny asked. “That you are not my mother and Uncle Victor is not my brother but my dad.” “Who told you?’ Granny became defensive. “A girl insulted me at school and told me. Grandma tell me the truth”. Emma demanded Grandma spilt the bin and told Emma everything she wanted to know about her mum, dad and the separation. She felt a great relief.” You should have told me. That’s my life.” Emma said. Emma Is Happy BB visited Emma at home. She found her very excited. “Grandma have gone to town to buy me clothes and a traveling bag. We are going to my dad, Victor in the city.” The girls giggled. “I’ll be attending the city university. “Emma announced. “We will be traveling by the same transport. I am also attending the city university.” “What!” They both exclaimed. “We will attend the same university, the same house, and we will share the same boyfriend.” “What!” BB exclaimed. “I am kiddy.” Emma shared the joke. At Victor’s House Victor was not informed about the development that Emma heard the truth. It was a big surprise. After greeting his daughter and welcoming her, he drew his mother aside and protested. “Why didn’t you tell me mum?” “Tell you what?” “That you were bringing Emma to the city.” “Sooner or later your daughter would join you and that had happened. Why are you protesting?” “You know I don’t know her. She did not know me. She knows you throughout her life.” “ Yes! Now she has come to know you. She is attending city university. You know there is no village university. Now open up to your daughter. She is a beautiful, well trained girl. She is brilliant and a government scholarship. Isn’t that a blessing to you?” “It is. You told her the history?” “Yes! I have no choice. She learnt it from village gossip and she have learnt to live with it.” Granny reassured her son. “God help me get acquainted with my daughter. May I not be found wanting. Help me to be the good dad she missed in her growing years.” “Amen!” They both chorused. Emma Is Afraid The long discussion between grandma and Victor worried Emma. What are they discussing? Is dad comfortable that I’ve come to stay with her? Time will tell. ” She soliloqued. Emma Resumed House Work She is hard working. She enjoyed house hold chores and studying her books. She is an ‘Ouus pickin’ (indoor girl). Victor is easing up. He called her name wrongly “Emily! Come here. Come and eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” Emma protested. “Dad! Why are you calling me by my estranged mother’s name. “I am Emma not Emily.” Victor apologized. When he sees Emma she visualizes Emily. She have her mom’s distinct features. Emma has grown into a lovely damsel, very attractive and sensitive as her mom. Victor is jealous. He over protected her daughter. She does not want Emma to have anything to do with the opposite sex. Talking With The Houseboy Emma is down to earth. She assists the househelp and looks after his welfare. She wanted to assist him doing the laundry. Victor came and embraced her. “ What are you doing with Musa? Is this trait in your blood also? Get out of here before I spake you!” He hit Musa and threatened to sack him if he speaks to his daughter again. To be cont Businessmen Petition SoS For Local Government By Bubacarr K. Sowe A group of six canteen owners in Soma, Jarra West, have petitioned the Secretary of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs objecting the decision of the Mansakonko Area Council (MAC) to evict them from their canteens. The vendors alleged that the MAC authorities intend to allocate that part of the market to a Malian businessman. The men, Kassim Fadera, Karamba Jabbi, Mustapha Kambi, Demba Camara, Afang Njundu SaidyKhan and Momodou Konteh said in their petitions, “the decision to transfer the occupied disputed area from us which we have been occupying since 1989 to an individual, more so to a foreigner is unjust and unfair. We are soliciting for your intervention to help solve this problem once and for all in an amicable way.” The petition added: “According to the eviction letter of the Chief Executive Officer, the area will be taken from us to be given to Mr. Hamidou Jah for the purpose of establishing a super market. We believe the reasons advanced by the Permanent Secretary for the Department of State for local Government and Lands on this subject matter are genuine and reasonable that, (1) There should be an approved project document with public interest, (2) There should be a clearance certificate from the Highway Authority, because a permanent structure is to replace temporal structures”. The businessmen said the governor of Lower River Region, Modou Soma Jobe, should not ask Mr. Jah to prepare a sketch plan and a project proposal for a purported supermarket to be built in the area and ask the department to approve it. B.K Jobarteh, the Chief Executive Officer of Mansakonko Area council gave a notice to the businessmen to vacate the area, initially saying a bank will be built there and later on claimed that a supermarket would be built by the Malian businessman after the eviction of the canteen owners. This reporter spoke to the governor of the Lower River Region on phone, but he said he is reserving his opinion on the matter. He further directed the reporter to the Department of State for Local Government. British Philanthropists Donate To Salikenni Health Centre And School By Gibairu Janneh Two British Philanthropists, Mr. Roger Ling and Mrs. Cheryl, have, on Tuesday 20 November, donated medicines worth over D10,000 to Salikenni Health Centre and an amount of D21,000 to the Basic Cycle School to start construction of teachers’ quarters in the school. The principal of the school, Mr. Sankung Daffeh, thanked the donors for their kind gesture towards his school. Mr. Daffeh pointed out the need for housing the teachers in the school vicinity. He assured the donors that the amount would be put into good use. Dawda Manka Dibba, one of the friends to the donors, urged the students to take their classes seriously as they are the future leaders. Mr. Dibba advised them to initiate good citizenship like Abdoulie Touray who initiated the whole project. He told them to do more than Mr. Touray has been doing for the village. Speaking on behalf of the donors, Mr. Royer Ling said the result of the donation will be put into record so as to convince more donors to participate in boosting the development of the village. Mr. Reger said they would also use the opportunity to encourage their efforts in different sections of the village development. He assured the principal that by their next visit in January next year. The building would be completed. In handing the carton of medicines worth more than D10, 000 excluding other cartons of drugs brought along from UK. Mrs. Cherly said they are happy to donate to the people of Salikenni and stated that they intend to do more. The Nursing Officer at the Health Centre, Mr. Babanding, pointed out that the drugs would take a long way to improve the medicament situation at the Health Centre. He said the drugs would not only benefit the people of Salikenni but also the Sattelite villages who also come to Salikenni for medial treatment. Mr. Yaya Marenah delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the village elders. It could be recalled that last year the two philanthropists assisted Salikenni Basic School with 200 bags of cement and drums of paint with a cash amount of D7, 000 to fence the school. They also donated several medical equipment to the Health Centre. NOVA SCOTIA-GAMBIA ASSOCIATION ASSISTS IN LANDMINE RISK AWARENESS IN THE FONI REGION Fajara, The Gambia, 20th November 2007 The Nova Scotia-Gambia Association (NSGA), in collaboration with UNICEF, is set to embark on a landmine awareness campaign in the Fonis. The campaign is one of the most important activities in UNICEF’s Child Protection Project in The Gambia. For many years NSGA has worked extensively in schools and communities across the country with their Peer Health Education Programme, drama troupes, community film shows and group discussions. All of these efforts have focused on promoting health awareness issues, including HIV/AIDS, STIs, reproductive health, and malaria and gender equity. Now NSGA, in partnership with UNICEF, is tackling the vital topic of landmines. These explosives have handicapped many people - particularly children - in the neighbouring Cassamance, a region that has been at the heart of the troubles over the past few decades. Lamin Gibba of NSGA is coordinating the project. His team will educate the refugees about landmines, their dangers and how to avoid them back in Cassamance, since the refugees are expected to return to this dangerous landmine-riddled area. “I think the successful implementation of the landmine,” says Mr Gibba. Using their expertise in education techniques, NGSA will go to communities and villages to show films, and then lead interactive community information sessions. About 15 communities have been identified in the Foni region along the Gambia-Cassamance border, an area occupied by a large number of refugees, who have been displaced by the civil war in the Cassamance region. This campaign will have immense importance to the people of the Foni region, especially the refugees who are expected to return to their villages in the Cassamance where there remains a high volume of unexploded landmines. The joint effort of NSGA and UNICEF is to create a world where children can be comfortable and free from hazards, a pre-requisite for their survival and development. The landmine awareness campaign of UNICEF’s Child Protection Project begins November 20th, and continues to December 4th. Nusrat President’s Award Scheme Unit Holds Silver Award Ceremony By Yaya Bajo The President’s Award Scheme Unit at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, on Friday, November 23, organised a Silver Award Ceremony at the school grounds for its members. Speaking at the occasion, principal Karamo S. Bojang said that a school is like a small community where students meet and interact among themselves. He said President’s Award Scheme Nusrat Unit has a large membership and expressed hope that the membership of the unit will continue to expand. He called on them to remain steadfast and be committed to the ideals of the President’s Award Scheme as a whole. For his part, Baboucarr Kebbeh, the president of the Nusrat President’s Award Scheme Unit said the movement started at the school a long time ago and that it has achieved numerous undertakings. He said the unit registered about 254 members and it continues to render services to the school, which is part and parcel of their mandatory duty. Mr. Kebbeh added that his unit has undergone expedition tours to Kanilai and Sanyang villages where members received basic training on leadership quality and First Aid. He thanked the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and Jammeh Foundation for Peace Hospital for supporting that cause. Other speakers included a representative of GCAA who advised the unit to continue the good service they are rendering to humanity. The programme, which was moderated by Mr. Buba Manjang, a teacher. It was also punctuated by a play on the role of President Award Scheme. CRC Clocks 18 By Sarjo Camara-Singhateh The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has, on Tuesday November 20 sent a press release on the appointment of Ishmael Beah as Unicef Ambassador on the 18 Anniversary of the convention on the right of the child. “On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, author and former child solider, Ishmael Beah, was today appointed UNICEF’s Youth Advocate for children affected by war,” says Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director of Unicef . “Ishmael Beah speaks on behalf of young people around the world whose childhoods have been scarred by violence, deprivation, and other violations of their rights,” said Veneman. “He is an eloquent symbol of hope for young victims of violence, as well as those working to demobilize and rehabilitate children caught up in armed conflict.” “As a child soldier, your rights are constantly violated,” said Beah, who was forcibly recruited in his native Sierra Leone when he was only 13. More than two years later UNICEF negotiated with warlords for the release of Beah and other child combatants and placed him in a rehabilitation programme. Eventually, Beah found his way to New York and finished his education. His childhood memoir, “A Long Way Gone,” became an international bestseller and through the book, and through lectures and speaking engagements, he has given the world a better understanding of the life of a child soldier. “For many observers, a child who has known nothing but war, a child for whom the Kalashnikov is the only way to make a living and for whom the bush is the most welcoming community, is a child lost forever for peace and development. I contest this view,” Beah said. “For the sake of these children it is essential to prove that another life is possible.” The announcement of Mr. Beah’s appointment coincides with the 18th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), an international treaty created to help prevent the kind of suffering that he endured. Today is also the day when the first of the generation of children born after the creation of the treaty reach adulthood. The Convention was opened for signature on 20 November 1989. It sets the ground rules for a better life for all children, and is the most widely ratified human rights agreement in the world. The rights it identifies include the right to survival, the right to be protected from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation, and the right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The CRC has become a universally accepted measure of global responsibilities regarding children and an effective tool for promoting conditions and circumstances favourable to children’s survival and development. About UNICEF UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. Peace Corps Commemorates 40th Anniversary By Annia Gaye Peace Corps The Gambia last Friday commemorated its 40th anniversary at a ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi. Delivering his keynote address on behalf of the president, the Secretary of State for Forestry and Environment, Hon. Yankuba Touray, said the celebration marks along standing relationship between The Gambia government, its people and the United States. He said it is a clear testimony of the importance The Gambia government attaches to a relationship which aims at genuinely sharing useful values. He stated that the Peace Corps volunteers are a shining example of sacrifice to serve the Gambian people by teaching in schools in most remote communities, working with health clinics and national parks as well as in women’s gardens. He further stated that 1,400 volunteers have made tremendous contribution to the progress of The Gambia. “The relevance of Peace Corps volunteers in providing services that meet the emerging needs of our communities cannot be over-emphasised,” he said. He urged everyone to always endeavour to promote peace, love and understanding, share the knowledge, which positively influence the lives of people. He concluded by thanking the Peace Corps volunteers, staff and trainees for serving The Gambian people. For his part the Peace Corps Country Director, Mike McConnell, said Peace Corps volunteers teach in schools, work as community members to improve health condition, improve the environment and livelihood of community members who work with them. He noted that in the past 40 years, nearly 1,400 volunteers have come to The Gambia. The Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Fatou Lamin Faye, said the education programme is the oldest of all the programmes in which Peace Corps has been involved in the country. She noted that the partnership between Peace Corps and The Gambia government is one that began in 1967 with the services of Peace Corps volunteers who served as mechanics and teachers. “Since inception volunteers have continually been registering with the agency to come to The Gambia to assist in addressing the emerging needs of the education sector in particular, in the most crucial areas of teacher training, Math, Science and, more recently, the introduction of Information Communication Technology in schools,” he said. She dilated that in teaching, volunteers have worked in curriculum research and development, adult education and the production of material resources in schools. She further said that currently the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education is taking steps to positively impact classroom teaching and to improve the performance of students. She continued to say that more targeted pre-service and in-service trainings are being provided for teachers. Society of Gambian Sculptures Hold Forestry Workshop By Isatou Bittaye Society of Gambian Sculptures (SGS) held a day workshop on Forestry at the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) on Thursday November 22. In opening the workshop, Mr. Sulayman Sowe of Society of Gambian Sculptures said the workshop aimed at creating greater sustainability of the forest. The He said they are conscious of the importance of the forest and the need for its preservation and that that was what motivated them to work with their partners, in order to limit deforestation. Mr. Sowe noted that Playmouth Banjul Challenge funded the workshop. The Resource person, Mr. Ousainou Cham, Regional Forestry Officer of Central River Region (CRR) said forests have been devastated as a result of deforestation. Mr. Cham added that the forest is also affected as a result of expansion in agriculture and commercialization. He said there is need the preservation of forests inorder to ensure sustainability. Mr. Cham indicated that the Forestry for Department was a unit under the Department of State for Agriculture but became a department of its own Minister and Forestry Act. He said the department was sponsored by Germany to conduct an inventory in1980 with the use of satellite and the objective was to determine the quality of wood in The Gambia, including medicine, firewood and timber. He noted that after the inventory they came out with a proposal to ban the production of charcoal in The Gambia in 1980 but allowed importation. Mr. Cham said the licensing and permitting also came to regulate the use of the forest. Mr. Cham said that only individuals with valid permit and license are allowed to chop down trees in limited numbers and even there it is only for local consumption but not export. He said individuals are issued license through the Alkalolu, chiefs and the regional officer of the region who made the final stamp on the permit. Mr. Cham noted that on leased lands the individual is free to chop down trees. He said that the Department of State for Local Government and Lands sometimes overpower them and lease certain areas of land where there are important species of trees for forestry. Mr. Cham added that sometimes too certain individuals issued licenses to people to export wood but now there is a total ban of that which is supported by the government. Group presentations were done by the participants and a group presented on the past, present and future access to forest resources. They said that in the past, there was easy access to water but now, as a result of deforestation, as a result of deforestation there is low rainfall. He said there was also easy access to firewood and enough trees in the forest. They added that the present situation is there are few big trees and the only available ones are ironwood, mahogany, rosewood (keno) and bush mango. They indicated that there is the possibilities of diversifying to bony tree and if deforestation is not controlled, no tree will be available in future and that can lead to poor qualities of products. They recommended that reforestation, caring and nurturing of plants, proper supervision by the Forestry Department and encouragement of community participation in forestry should be enhanced. The second group presented on the role of the associations to improve forestry extension and reduction in deforestation. They said that the associations should set up control organisations scouting for the Department and help enforce the regulation already in vogue. They also said that criteria should be set up for the use of wood and agree on the type of wood to use inorder to prevent loss of certain species. They said that the association should encourage ecotourism and planting more trees, set up publicity by all and introduce difference types of wood from outside. The final group presented on the SWOT analysis of the Forestry Department. On the weaknesses, the group said the Forestry Department is too weak on the control of licensing, that there is lack of community awareness and corruption of authorities and communities on the issuing of licenses. On strength, they said that the policy acts should be strengthened, community forests should be encouraged and the employment of community forest guards maintained. They noted that poverty is a threat to the Department as it causes many people to embark on deforestation and chopping down trees. They said that the Department of Local Government and Lands overpowered the Forestry Department as they are in control of all lands; that the “Maslaha” syndrome, (comprise), favouritism and nepotism, farming and construction of buildings as they lead to cutting down of trees, lack of support from the government and communities and the international laws and policies all serve as threats to the Department. They said the Department has opportunities of teamwork and collaboration by individuals, government and institutions. They highlighted that appropriate technology such as solar and renewable energy is needed to limit the use of firewood and tightening forestry laws. President Of UTG Students Union Rescinds Resignation By Yaya Bajo The President of the University of The Gambia Students Union (UTGSU), Mr. Kemo A.M Cham, who tendered his resignation letter to the Executive Committee barely a week has rescinded his resignation on Thursday 22 November, 2007. Confirming this to Foroyaa, Mr. Cham said his decision to withdraw his resignation letter came in the wake of popular demand from the student body and outsiders to continue serving the union. “I received a lot of calls from students and non- students who appealed to me to finish my term which is ending in a month’s time,” he stated. Mr. Cham said his resignation was a consequence of the attitude of some disgruntled members in his Executive who are bent on tarnishing his image. He warned such executive members to desist from their selfish acts as they may lead to the disintegration of the whole union. Mr. Cham added that he is not interested in power; that his ultimate aim is to serve the student body in good faith. Mr. Cham finally called on the student body to support and rally behind the student Executive Council in order to enhance the cause of student unionism in the University of The Gambia. Tough World Cup Draw for Gambia Senegal, Algeria and Liberia Back Calling By Modou Nyang Gambia has been handed a tough World Cup preliminary qualifying drawn that bring back some ugly memories in Gambian football. The Scorpions are in Group 6 with strong neighbours Senegal and 2008 Nations Cup qualifying round foes Algeria and, 2006 World Cup Preliminary round nemesis Liberia, also making the group. The draw that was held in Durban, South Africa, will see the Scorpions revisit venues where they will face fierce opposition from the home crowd. A visit to Dakar to face rivals Senegal will bring back sweet and bitter memories of the two-legged matches in 2003 for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between the Scorpions and the Teranga Lions. But a return to Monrovia, Liberia, is sure to awaken some bitter memories when the Scorpions thrown out of Germany World Cup 2006 qualifiers. Gambia travelled to Liberia with a 2-0 home advantage in 2003 but returned empty handed having suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Lone Stars, and accusations of camp breaking and heavy boozing and flirting with prostitutes making the rounds among the players. But Dakar and Monrovia are not the only venues that will present a hostile reception to the Scorpions. A quick return to Algiers is certain to provide another big test for the Scorpions. Gambia defeated Algeria 2-1 at home in September this year, effectively denying them the chance to qualify for the 2008 Nations Cup and a desire for revenge is certain to occupy the Algerians who left Banjul very bitter. Forty-eight African countries have been drawn into twelve groups of four, and the winner of each group together with the 8 best runners-up will be drawn into five groups of five. The winner of each of those groups will qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and the second and third placed countries will qualify for the Africa Nations Cup in Angola in the same year together with the group winner. Zone II: Gambia Open With Mali By Modou Nyang The Scorpions will open their account in the Zone II Amilcar Cabral tournament against Mali on Saturday 1st December. The biannual tournament among the eight countries in the Zone II of West Africa is scheduled to start on Friday November 30th. And the Gambia who are pooled in Group B together Mali, Cape Verde and defending champions Guinea, will first face the Malians before taking on Cape Verde in their second match on December 3rd and end the group games against Guinea, on December 5th. The Gambia are not strangers to all three group opponents, the Scorpions has recently played Guinea and Cape Verde in the qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations losing only to Guinea. However, the Cyli National who eventually qualified for the Ghana event in January from the group that also included Algeria is certain not to field in Class A players for the tournament likewise Mali also. Gambia too has opted for a team composed of only home based players to execute their quest for a first ever triumph in the history of the championship. And it remain to be seen if Cape Verde will opt for more quality players that the rest of the group. Gambia’s Group Matches 1st January Gambia VS Mali 3rd January C/Verde VS Gambia 5th January Gambia VS Guinea **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) 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]