Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues Issue No. 140/2007, 28 - 29 November 2007 Editorial The Africa-EU Summit in December The plan by the European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to host a summit in Portugal to revive Europe’s relations with the African continent in December is now marked by controversy as the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown threatens to boycott the summit to avoid being in the same room with President Robert Mugabe as a protest against his human rights policies. This is exposing the fragility of continental organisations because of the lack of homogeneity in principles, policies and practices in conducting foreign policy. In short before such a summit is hosted preliminary work should have been done by the African Commission and the European Commission to prepare an agenda for the Summit and the information be passed on to all governments for consideration and approval. Should any differences arise it could be ironed out at the planning stage instead of the implementation stage. The Economic Partnership Agreement, trade and immigration are very crucial issues to discuss. This ultimately leads to the issue of democratic governance; debate on the concept of free movement of goods, services, capital and persons; the status of migrants and the issue of equitable trade relations between Nations. Both the African Union and the European Union needed to have their acts together to avoid any unilateralism which only leads to weak international policies and responses to situations of common concern. Multilateralism is the key to handle issues of global concern. Britain therefore needs to consult its European partners and work out a common position on issues concerning its relation with Africa which would earn them the respect of their African partners while the African Union also conducts its own in house consultations and come up with positions on the different issues which would earn them the respect of their European partners. When it comes to shaping international norms and practices, issues of individual sovereignty are put at the doors of conferences until the opinions of all are expressed to reach a consensus. If a common position cannot be reached by the European governments regarding their approach to the summit one must admit that it has failed before it has even started. It is time for governments to establish think tanks and friendly nations contact groups to facilitate wider consultation in determining foreign policy. The cocoon approach to making foreign policy leads to unilateralism and ineffective response to issues, which require concerted multilateral responses to achieve common goals. FARMERS ANXIOUS ABOUT TRADE SEASON Farmers in Upper River Region are anxious about this year’s trade season. According to farmers who spoke to this reporter, the poor marketing arrangement of groundnut is the major factor contributing to the impoverishment of the farmers. They say last year’s trade season was one of the worst ever witnessed by farmers in this country. According to them, the trade season was dull and sales at the Depots require a minimum of five (5) tonnes. This they said, left them at the mercy of middlemen who purchased their groundnuts at cut throat prices since most of them could not even produce 1 tonne not to talk of 5 tonnes. Regarding two or three farmers combining their groundnut inorder to get the five tonnes minimum requirement at the Depots, the farmers said the combination of groundnuts is impossible since not all nuts are of the same weight. They said combining nuts would be at the detriment of one of the parties where the nuts are not of the same weight. Regarding the prospect for this year’s trade, the farmers asserted that their experience over the years taught them the lesson to produce more coos, corn and other grains for food and then produce less groundnuts which they can market at the local markets (‘lumos’) in case the poor marketing arrangements persist. The farmers concluded by calling on the Government to make proper arrangement in the buying of their nuts and to be in cash and provide fertilizer to them during the rainy season that could be deducted from them during the marketing of their nuts. They also asserted that the provision of fertilizer during the rainy season when most of them are thinking of what to eat would be of little benefit to them since most of them would not be able to buy the fertilizer. Women For Democracy And Development (WODD) Tours Its Study Circles Amie Sillah Reporting A three-person delegation led by the Executive Secretary of WODD, Amie Sillah, Fatou Touray Vice Chairperson of WODD and Aja Mrs. Fatou Mboge a WODD member and a skills’ trainer toured seven villages in Wuli West Constituency from the 15th to 25th November 2007. The group met with WODD Study Circles. WODD is a non-partisan, non-religious, non-profit Women’s Rights Organisation. WODD focuses on civic education, health education and economic empowerment. WODD gives its study circles seed money to start small projects in villages to help women take care of their daily needs. It urges women to stand as one, united as a broom. It teaches the women how to fish, irrespective of political party affiliation, ethnic or religious divide. Women are urged to stand as one to develop their communities, to work with their menfolk in partnership. Women are given small grants and not loans. Seven villages were covered: Taibatou, Kerewan, Sutukonding, Bani, Limbambulu, Barrow Kunda and Chamoi. WODD believes that poor women can only be helped through grants not loans. They should be motivated to be productive and engage in healthy competition with other women groups. Individual successful women can also be assisted through soft interest free loans for economic empowerment. The women will determine the loan payment in a period of time. Through the study circles women engage in literacy classes. Discussions were held on health education, civic education, and skills’ training. Women engaged in healthy discussions and assisted each other. WODD will work in partnership with other development agents. WODD intends to build relationships and to bring about development in the communities. We have reached one thousand four hundred women in ten days. It was a successful tour, a win-win for all stakeholders. Mr. Saiba Juwara and Mr. Njundu Conteh, all WODD committee members in Taibatou and Kerewan study circles, assisted the delegation. Alieu Lowe Detained For One Year, Eight Months By Bubacarr K. Sowe and Modou Jonga Alieu Lowe a resident of Faji Kunda is still languishing in detention since his arrest on March 26, 2006, a family source confirmed. Mr. Lowe was arrested in connection with the March 2006 attempted coup d’ etat against the government of The Gambia. The detainee appeared as a prosecution witness in the treason trial of Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal Keita and Dem but his testimony was later expunged by the High Court. Mr. Lowe who was held at the State Central Prison, Mile Two, at the time of his appearance in court a year ago is believed to be detained there till now without being charged. ECOWAS COURT Three Testify Hearing of the case of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh started afresh on Monday, 26 November with plaintiff calling three withnesses,two from The Gambia and one from the Media Foundation for West Africa. The first prosecution witness, who is a colleague to Chief Manneh told the court that two plain clothes officers from Bakau Police Station arrested Chief Manneh at the Daily Observer premises on the 7 July. Since then, he continued, Chief Manneh has not been released while the state continues to deny holding him. The witness further told the court that he made efforts to locate Chief Manneh for the past 15 months but to no avail. The second prosecution witness told the court that he is from a sister paper in the Gambia and knew Chief Manneh for the past 7years. As a journalist he did get information from his sources that Chief Manneh was arrested on 7 July. He told the court that a reporter for the media he works for was assigned to speak to the managing director of Daily Observer in order to confirm the journalist’s arrest but the Managing Director declined to speak to the reporter. He also told the court that he himself was later assigned by the editor-in-chief to investigate the whereabouts of Chief Manneh. He informed the court that during the course of his investigation he approached the then Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Police Force and asked him about Chief Manneh but he never commented on the issue. He further told the court that it was late December 2006 that his office got a tip off that Chief Manneh was at Fatoto Police Station and his editor asked him to go there to verify the information. Continuing his testimony he told the court that upon his arrival at Fatoto Police Station he saw Chief Manneh being returned to the cells after being served food; that he waved but Chief Manneh never waved back though the police officer did so. The witness continued testifying by telling the court that he later went to Basse in the eastern part of the country where he wrote his report and faxed it to his office. At this point he told the court that upon receipt of his report his editor asked him to further call the Police PRO and tell him where he (the reporter) saw Chief Manneh, but that it took him some time to get to the Police PRO and when he finally did the police spokes person declined to comment. He then told the court that when he informed the editor-in-chief of the development, the editor-in-chief also tried to inform both the inspector general of police and the SoS for the interior about the sighting of Chief Manneh under police custody at Fatoto Police Station but to no avail. His report, he said, was published few days latter. The second witness told the court that few weeks later, when he returned to the same police station he found that he had been transferred to a unknown detention centre and since then he (the reporter) had heard no news of his whereabouts. The third prosecution witness to testify was Professor Kwami Karikari, the Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). He told the court that the MFWA has correspondents in 15 West African states and that when they received reports of the arrest of Chief Manneh they contacted their sources and confirmed reports of his arrest. At this point the case was adjourned till today 28 November for the plaintiff’s lawyer, Mr Femi Falana to address the court and for the court to fix a date for the judgment. Chief Manneh’s lawyer is Mr. Femi Falana, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and President of the West African Bar Association. 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 hearings on July 16, 2007, the Gambian 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 of Yahya Jammeh failed to appear. Interview with Halifa Sallah - Part 14 You claim that the S in the acronym PDOIS is not controversial but many critics claim that socialism is a failed system and is out of fashion and that its advocates are utopian in thinking. What do you say to this? I am not sure how critics define successful and failed systems. A successful system to me and my colleagues is one that guarantees liberty, dignity and prosperity to all those who live under it. What I consider an academic and utopian exercise is for Gambians in particular and Africans in general to debate about our success and the failure of the Soviet Union, or comparing the success of China and India against the G8 while 80 per cent of the continent’s 832 million people rely on crude tools to plough the field only to live among the wretched of the earth. 70 per cent of rural Gambians are living below the poverty line. Of what benefit is the success or failure of US, Russia, China or India to such people if their own poverty cannot be eradicated. What we have never engaged in is, the irrelevant debate as to whether one country or another is the superpower of the world or has the best system. What we have always engaged in is the relevant debate of how to enlarge the liberty, dignity arid prosperity of’ the Gambian people. This is what pushed us to study the Gambian economy in all its dimensions and came up with realistic options on how to address the challenges of development. In fact since PDOIS came into being every budget speech was given a comprehensive analysis. Our book The Analysis of the Gambian and International Economy is reference material for many Gambian graduates in economics. Many scholars have utilised it for their theses and dissertations. No one had ever written to challenge our conclusions. What I will recommend is for these ma terials to be deposited at the People’s centre so that those who make reference to them will first sign our visitors’ book. This will help us to keep track of the number of intellectuals who are clearly aware of the economic policies we advocate and are quite capable of confirming their viability but do not seem to be doing so even though they have benefited from the information. Now could you explain in simple terms what type of economy PDOIS intends to build and how? The economy of the Gambia has a public sector, private sector and informal sector comprising individual and cooperative ventures such as cooperative credit unions and cooperative gardening schemes. A National economy must deal with five basic factors, that is, production, accumulation, investment, distribution and consumption. In short, a nation must produce its goods and services. It must accumulate resources for investment in the production of those goods and services. It must distribute the wealth produced to facilitate individual consumption such as food and clothing, and social consumption such as schools and hospitals. Let me go right away to show a fundamental difference in public policy between PDOIS and the two regimes it opposed. It is common knowledge, that both regimes have a policy of divesting from public enterprises. Our policy defers from them in this sense. In our view, public enterprises are indispensable in a narrow tax based economy. In short, if government is to build and maintain hospitals, schools, and other social services it must generate income. If it does not have a productive base it must depend on taxation. If the tax base is narrow it must reach a level beyond which it cannot go to scrape the back of’ the people. Consequently, it will either leave the services to degenerate or introduce cost recovery, which will automatically exclude the poor. PDOIS considers it to be absolutely necessary for public enterprises to be maintained to enable government to earn non-tax income and thus deliver services without increasing taxes or engaging in cost recovery. Secondly, PDOIS maintains that if the public enterprises are to serve their purpose they must be managed according to international principles of accounting so that they will be able to pay dividends annually into the government treasury to augment revenue for recurrent and development expenditure. Hence if PDOIS was in position of leadership the annual budget will contain the amount of money paid by each public enterprise as dividend. We will measure our success in this regard by the increase in the volume of the dividend paid by each enterprise to facilitate the expansion of services and improvement in quality. How does PDOIS intend to handle the private and informal sectors? Will they be abolished and all properties seized and transformed into state property? The Gambia is an economy in transition. It does not have a self reliant agricultural and industrial base. The Public sector cannot possibly take charge of production, accumulation, investment, distribution and ensure the individual earnings and consumption according to the quantity and quality of work done and social consumption according to need. It cannot therefore have a monolithic or single production system. Hence the private and informal sectors would have to play a complimentary role to the public sector to enhance socio-economic development by adhering to the principle of’ corporate responsibility. At the moment the banks which are the main institutions of accumulation in the country are not linked to private sector or informal sector production. The public sector borrows the money from tile banks but does not put it to productive use. The state has laws which make it owner of land, which it is selling without any coherent investment plan. In fact PDOIS is very much opposed to such state ownership of land under the state lands, which has been in existence since Jawara’s era. It is simply giving rise to land grabbing by a few who can afford to buy it and the money does not go to reduce the poverty of tie people. How does PDOIS intend to handle all these sectors’? First and foremost it is necessary to give background information on the Gambian economy before going into the details of policy on how to handle the private and informal sector under a PDOIS government Our analysis revealed that Gambia is an agrarian economy with 8o per cent of the population depending on agriculture for their survival. The public sector has been the main employer and total employment in the first Republic and up to today hardly exceeded 16,000 employees. The private sector has been very small and receives very little investment. ‘The importation of goods had been the dominant enterprise in the private sector until services started to mushroom. Massive employment, poor wages and poor prices of agricultural produce had always militated against growth in income and prosperity. Gambia has always been listed among the least developed countries. Hence the formal Gambian economy is very narrow in scale and can only guarantee survival and prosperity to few Gambians. Contrary to the opinions of the presidents that the first republic and second republic that Gambia is the bread basket of the subregion, what we found out from our research is that Gambia’s informal economy scale has never been studied by either governments.It is infact the bastion of the economy. In short the country has been benefiting from the economics of scale since its birth. The young people in the URD supplemented their income by developing Smuggling chains which extends from the Gambia to Mali . It is not uncommon to find battering between the Gambian communities and Senegalese traders in the saloum area. The weekly market days in the border area facilitates an expanded market for Senegalese and Gambians in the border areas. The informal economy produced a chain in the kombos which extends through the cassamance up to Bissau, Conakry, kono in Sierra Leone and Cote D’Ivoire. Fruits palm oil, kola nuts and minerals are harnessed for trade prosperity. There are many Gambians who move on to develop links with Liberia and Gabon. There are many houses erected for rentage in the urban area whose owners gained their wealth from the sub regional minerals business,and services. We have also discovered that the wars in guinea Bissau, Casamance , Sierra Leone arid Liberia had enabled some who had means to invest their capital in the Gambia and leave family members behind to manage their enterprises while they sought asylum in developed countries. These people send foreign exchange to build up businesses. Hence a triangular business chain has developed where such people develop links between Dubai, the Gambia and their home country. In the same vein Gambians who go to Congo, Angola and other mineral rich regions are developing similar triangular trade by linking the source of their diamonds in Angola to the places for sale in the Middle East and the purchase of goods to bring to the Gambia to expand their business. How do we intend to handle these sectors to promote prosperity is the question. To be continued GCCI To Hold Trade Fair International Companies Expected By Amie Sanneh The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and industry (GCCI) is expected to hold a trade fair from the 1st to 9th December 2007 at the independence stadium in Bakau. The theme for this year’s trade fair, which is “Tapping the Growth Potentials of the Small and Medium Enterprises”, will draw participants from Spain, India, Indonesia and the West-African Sub-Region. At a press briefing held on Monday at the independence stadium, the coordinator of the Trade fair Beatrice Allen said their level of preparedness is high. She said the aim of the trade fair is to bring companies together to expose their products and expand their business. Mrs. Allen explained that the reason why they organised the trade fair is for the international companies so that partnership can occur and the private sector benefits from it for their business will be known and promoted. She revealed that in this year’s trade fair a heavy presence of international companies are expected. She said 40 companies will be coming from Spain and 30 companies will represent India and Indonesia. For the case of India, she said they do not only want partnership but also to invest in the country. She pointed out that they have sponsors already and Taf holding company is the major sponsor and LG electronics. She said the sponsors have made it easier for the Small and Medium Enterprises noting that it is expensive to host a trade fair. She remarked that the trade fair is not going to be a Greater Banjul affair but business centres across the country will be there. She said the trade fair will not only benefit the private sector but also the customers noting that they can have different types of goods displayed and customers will have all they need at one place. She however described the market industry as small but noted that with the participation of the international companies it can be promoted to expand the market. According to GCCI their long term objective is to make Gambia a trade fair center in Africa. The president of GCCI Bai Matarr Drammeh said they have already been given a land near the Sukuta garden but are looking for funds to kick off the project and when completed trade fairs will be held there. On display at the trade Fair will be the manufacturing industry, cultural people, Malians, fisheries, Kanilai Farms, women in fashion and design among others. Four motor companies are also expected to display their vehicles on the ground. Boto Sonko Taken to Court Again By Fabakary B. Ceesay Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko alias “Boto,” has been taken to court again by the state. Mr. Sonko was first standing trial at Kanifing Magistrates Court but was discharged after the state withdrew the case. On Monday 26th November, Mr. Sonko appeared before principal Magistrate B.Y. Camara of Banjul Magistrates Court. According to the particulars of offence Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko Between June 2001 and 2007 in Banjul and in diverse places in the Gambia allegedly stole an amount of D1, 593,307 dalasis being proceeds realised from the leasing of construction equipment to Merrs Kharafi and sons limited and failed to render it to the owner thereof. On count two, that Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko in diverse places between June 2001 and 2007 in Banjul and in the Gambia allegedly stole an amount of 121, 665.35 US dollars, being the proceeds realised from the leasing of construction equipment to Kharafi and Sons Limited but failed to render it to the owner thereof. Mr. Sonko pleaded not guilty to the two count charges preferred against him. He was granted bail in the sum of D 2 Million. The defense counsel is Antouman Gaye while Inspector Yaya Touray represents the state. The case was adjourned till 10 December for hearing. It could be recalled that Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko (Boto), the proprietor of Boto construction company was taken to court along side Mr. Mustapha Leigh, the former Director of Techinical and physical planning for allegedly stealing and using government property without proper authority. As the trial dragged on, the prosecution later withdrew the case from proceedings and the duo were discharged by the court. Author Bamba Khan Urges Gambians To Embrace The Culture of Reading - Part 2 By Musa Barrow In this edition we continue with Foroyaa’s exclusive interview with a promising Gambian writer, Bamba Khan, who described writing as an extricable part of his life. In the interview, Bamba Khan takes us on a guided tour of his writing career. He also dealt with how to inculcate the culture of reading in children and what the future holds for upcoming Gambian writers. Let’s pick up from where we stopped. You have made mention of some international publishing houses stating what you described as unnecessary standards. What are those unnecessary standards? Most of these publishing houses look at books that would be digested in the educational system eg books used in schools. I am not saying that academic books are less important, but art should also be given its due attention. To come to the point some of the unnecessary standards are that they would ask the author to type his work within a short period of time and that if one submits his/her work to them it starts passing from one hand to another, which is normally a protracted process. Sometimes, as an author one is left in a state of bewilderness for not knowing the status of one’s work. And in most occasions, they change certain things, which are relevant to your work; this is due to the cultural divergence they always want to set the standards by their own level. For example, as an African, if you put up a certain phenomenal issue that is important to you because of your culture, they could see it as completely frivolous. So, these are some of the unnecessary things they do that disfigures the nature of the work. What is the role of writers in a society? Writing is a noble deed, because the world itself was built on writing. The origin of writing can be traced to as far back as the days of ancient city of Mesopotamia, in modern day Iraq. But writing later developed and came to sustain all the records of the world. It is through writing that we know about the empires, discoveries and miracles. Scriptures are written down, Jews have the Torah, Muslims have the Qur’an and Christians have the Bible. All these holy books could be transferred from one generation to another through writing. So, writing continues as long as the sun shines. We cannot do away with writing, because it is through writing that the world changes. Writing helps to put things right, it helps to rectify politicians and the society as a whole. It puts society on course so that the misdeeds of a people would not be repeated again. The history of wars such as the Second World War has made it possible for the modern states to avoid global war. This was transmitted from one generation to another through writing. As a Pan-Africanist, does your Pan-Africanist ideology reflect on your writings? Of course, it does. I believe that every person hails from a culture and it is that culture which influences the way you think and view things. I read Pan-Africanism at school and I’m familiar with names like Nkrumah, Lumumba, Nyerere and Saikou toure. All what these pioneers of Pan-Africanism wanted was to uphold Africa’s integrity. They wanted to ascertain the dignity of the black person. They wanted to make the black people understand that they can live better lives without depending on outsiders. This spirit engineered, by these pioneers of Pan-Africanism truly motivates me. This is why I told you earlier that I refused to send my work to Western publishing houses. I believe as a Pan-Africanist in my writing, I portray Pan-Africanist sentiments, African unity and peace in Africa etc. I also debunk the fight against disunity, injustice, child exploitation, gender inequality and those things that can render our continent backward. What would you attribute as responsible for Gambia’s failure to produce many prolific art and seasoned writers? I believe that is due to the fact that Gambia is unfortunate for not having a university very early. And to be frank, universities are the centres of knowledge acquisition and diffusion. However, there is no doubt in my mind that very soon this country would produce very good writers. I can also sense that very soon this country will produce best selling authors. This is due to the fact that Gambia has a very unique geo-political and socio-cultural environment. This country does not have war, crime and many negative things and this is why The Gambia is a heaven for many, nevertheless, despite all these positive things, we should develop our intellect. Earlier you lamented about the poor culture of reading in The Gambia. How can we inculcate the culture of reading in our children? Without any question, the most appropriate answer to that is for us to encourage our children to read constantly and frequently. What really helped my sister and me was that we have a very strict and uncompromising father who forced us to read. I’m staggered when people say corporal punishment is bad. I believe it is only bad when it fails to produce results. Do you believe in this theory that good writers are born, not made? Although I believe in destiny, i have the feeling that everybody can be a writer. After all, practice leads to perfection. You start writing nonsense and later it is from that very nonsense that you write sense. As far as i am concerned writers are people who are dedicated to their work, and they have the stamina to withstand pressure. Can you shed more light on your books starting with Juffereh, “Kissing you with hurting lips?” The very title of this book is ironic. The definite question is how somebody can kiss with hurting lips. The message it sends is that this book makes reference to Africa’s history. Juffereh is a symbol of slavery. The title of the book is basically saying that we are remembering our difficult past. Our first book entitled Juffereh was published in 2004. The second book entitled Proverbs of the Senegambia aims to conserve and preserve our tradition as it contains proverbs from different local languages in this country. This is with the ultimate objective of protecting our values and culture from Western stain. How do readers receive these books? As soon as I publish them, the National Library as well as various hotels such as Kairaba and Tropical Tours all demanded copies, which I did. Bookshops like Timbooktu and Maroon’s Supermarket all have my copies. And wherever I go people do tell me that I have read your book. This reaction truly motivates me and makes me feel that I am trying. Does the future look rosy for Gambian writers? Indeed, the future looks rather bright for Gambian writers. It is as bright as the stars of the night, because currently The Gambia is a virgin land, which has not yet been exploited. Upcoming writers can take advantage of this and reach the zenith. What is your reaction to this concept that writing is not lucrative enough in terms of material gain? If one look at the monetary aspects of writing, one would not become a writer. Writing goes beyond the material gains that one can amass wealth. For one to be a writer, you do not have to be materially oriented. Instead one needs to be spiritually connected with the people inorder to project how society should be. History teaches us that all the prophets who brought salvation to their people were not rich. Scientists who also came up with great discoveries were not also rich. As a starter in writing, one should not think about money, although it might come later if he/she produces a best seller. As a writer, you must have read many books. Who are some of your favourite writers? Chinua Achebe is one of my favourite writers, because his writing always show African values and draw one back to the village. I do not like reading books that talk about the snow as those things do not reflect the African reality. Do you have any favourite books? I like the “Anthills of the Savannah”, because it talks about politics and it makes reference to many things happening in Africa today. The Anthills of the Savannah touches political injustice, corruption, poor governance, intimidation of journalists and torture. All these practices are rife in the continent of Africa today. In that book, there is a character called Ikem Osodi who was an independent journalist, but was victimized. The book also portrays the characteristics of a dictator. Basically Anthills of the Savannah is a replica of what is happening in many African countries today. I am also an admirer of my sister Mariam Khan’s books; she is truly a skillful writer. You have talked about the Anthills of the Savannah, which is political in nature. Can we also expect Bamba to come up with books, which deal with politics? That is quite right, I am currently developing a book of such a nature, the title of which I do not want to divulge now. What advice would you give to aspiring writers? My advise is let them read as much as they can. Reading broadens one’s knowledge. Tell me more about yourself? Well, Bamba Khan is a writer who lives in Brikama; married with one child and I work at the Access Bank. I hold a Bachelors Degree from The University of The Gambia in Sociology and French. I also attended Sheikh Anta Diob University where I did a course in French and linguistics. I was a head boy of Nusrat Senior Secondary School and a pivotal founder of NAPSA. I was also the first Secretary General of NAPSA. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ‘TUMAL’ (ACCUSATION) By Amie Sillah Emma became very sad. Victor practically imprisoned his daughter. He addressed her with harshness. He is very suspicious of her. He thinks he might end up as her mum. This attitude disturbed Emma. She felt her dad hated her because she resembled his estranged wife. Emma felt herself trapped into a golden cage. She wrote a letter to B.B and deliberately did not seal it. She gave it to Victor to deliver to B.B. The Letter Reads “My dad gives me everything a girl of my age would desire but he hates me with a passion because I resemble his estranged wife, my strange mum. I am suffering innocently. Would I have chosen to be born to such couple? Hell no! He calls me my mother’s name Emily instead of my name Emma. I am a moving nightmare. I pray daily for God to soften his heart towards me. BB pray for me.” She ended her letter. The letter touched Victor’s heart. He dropped his iron shield towards his daughter. He asked his driver to turn back and drive to his home. Emma Doing Household Chores Emma is always lively when Victor is out. She was singing and dancing to the music. Victor came and called her. She was afraid. “What have I done wrong?” She asked. “Nothing my daughter! Come to your father. I have read your touchy letter to B.B. I’m sorry! I thought I was protecting you but I was wrong. I am very sorry.” Victor hugged his daughter and they both shed emotional tears. Victor opened up to his daughter and they became very close from that moment onwards. At The University Campus Emma met B.B at the university campus. They spoke at length and compared notes. “It is a pity we are not staying in the same hostel. My dad is crazy. He said I stay at home since he lives in the city and not far from the campus. We got some teething problems but we are now coping with each other.” “That’s very nice to hear. My room mate Fatima is not as cool as you but I’ll have to learn to cope. Have you seen your course designer?” “Not yet!” “Go now and see her. I have already seen mine. Good luck!” B.B told her. “My course designer is always absent but I’ll go to see whether she is around.” Meets Her Course Designer Emma met her course designer. She resembled her a great deal. Her name rang a bell in the woman’s mind. Dr. Emy Jackson felt something for this girl. She asked her more questions about her biological father. “My dad is Mr. Victor Johnson, a businessman.” She gave her her home address. Dr. Jackson became suspicious and curious. She thought very hard. “Emma is my lost daughter,” She said to herself. Reflections Emy spoked to her best friend Sarata. “I have met Emma today.” “Which Emma?” Sarata asked. “My lost daughter.” “Are you sure?” Sarata asked. “My instinct told me. She gave Victor Johnson as his dad and the same address of our marital home. My instinct cannot be wrong.” “Pray over it Emy. But you have to be really sure that she is your daughter,” Sarata advised. Emma Returns Emma returned to the doctor. She was very nice to her. “Feel free! Come to me for anything. I am here for you. You are a nice lass. Give me your mobile number.” Emma did. Doctor is very happy. This is the first step. Go Shopping With B.B Emma went shopping. She bought a lot of clothes. B.B also bought some clothes. They went to a pub and bought some soft drinks. While there B.B’s room mate Fatima came and called her aside. She had a problem with her boyfriend. She wanted to call it a quit. B.B is the intermediary. She asked her to give him a second chance. Then Matar, Binta’s boyfriend rang to apologise B.B encouraged her to make peace with him. She went back to Emma, who was very agitated and worried. She is scared stiff. “My course directress said she wants to see me, for what I don’t know. I have a clear conscience. “Emma reassured herself. “That should be the spirit. Have nothing to fear. You have done nothing,” B.B reassured her. The C.D Invites Emma To Her House The course directress invited her to her house. Emma is still panicky. “Tell me more about your mother.” Emma found it difficult to explain. She mustered courage and said. “I have no mother.” Doctor got uneasy. “You have!” She said. “Do you know her?” Emma asked. “Calm down! I know your mum.” Doctor replied. “I am your mum!” “No! You are not!” Emma yelled. She started to run away. “It is not true! It is not true! You broke down dad’s heart and ran away!” She accused. “It is not true! Let me explain.” Doctor begged. “You have nothing to explain. Leave me alone!” Emma ran away. Doctor felt the pain. Her only daughter is crucifying her at the altar of justice. Confides In B.B Emma confided in B.B. “My C.D said she is my mother.” “What! Did she explain her side of the story of her accusation?” “No! I did not give her the audience,” Emma said. “Give her a chance to explain herself. Did you tell your dad?” “No! I did not.” “Did she confess?” “I did not give her the chance.” “ Start from there,” B.B advised. “How can she come out from the blue and wanted me to accept her just like that? I can’t.” Emma argued. “Lend her your ears and listen to what she has to say is my candid advice to you,” B.B advised. To be cont’d. In Gamtel’s Former MD Trial Court Urged to Ignore “No Case” Submission By Bubacarr K. Sowe and Fabakary B. Ceesay Replying to the defence “No case to answer” submission, the prosecutor in the trial of Omar Ndow, ex-Managing Director of Gamtel on Monday urged the Banjul Magistrates court not to consider the request made by the defence lawyer. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Momodou Bojang asserted in his submission that the accused person has a case to answer and should therefore enter his defence. The Former Gamtel boss is charged for disobedience to statutory duty contrary to section 115 of the Criminal Code and abuse of office, which contravenes section 90 of the same code. The particulars of the offence alleges that Mr. Ndow about 2005 and 2006 as a public service employee and managing director of Gamtel, willfully omitted to refer a contract proposal to the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) which is a statutory requirement. The particulars of offence added that within the same period and in the same capacity as managing director Omar failed to follow the required procedure of the GPPA regulation. Responding to the defence lawyer’s argument that it is Gamtel as a company that should have been taken to court, ASP Bojang said that is possible but in a criminal case it cannot and that is why Mr. Ndow as head of that company should answer to the charges. The prosecutor argued that there was a contract between Gamtel and the Chinese company called Huawei, contrary to the defence counsel’s claim. He said the contract was never signed and its initial phase was opened by the president. The Assistant Superintendent of Police recalled that four prosecution witnesses testified in court, one of which is a police officer who obtained Mr. Ndow’s statement. ASP Bojang submitted that another witness who appeared before the court is Sarjo Ceesay, a Gamtel employee and Secretary to its board of directors. He said Ceesay testified at a board meeting that the approved 2005 budget included the IN and CDMA projects (subject of the trial) but does not know if they were approved by the GPPA. The prosecutor added that Abdoulie Bah, an auditor with Gamtel said in his testimony that payment for the contract was referred to his office but he did not observe any GPPA approval of it. He narrated that another prosecution witness who testified in the case is Ousman Njie, compliance manager of GPPA who said approval was given to Gamtel to open negotiation with Huawei but never got feedback from Gamtel, which he said means “No approval was given.” ASP Bojang said that the consent of the Attorney General was sought at the time of removing the case from the High Court. This he said was contained in a letter to the Inspector General of Police. The letter was tendered and admitted in evidence. The trial was adjourned till December 3rd, to enable the defence lawyer who was absent to go through the prosecutor’s address. Bajinka’s Family Shocked By Modou Jonga The family members of a detained National Intelligence Operative Yahya Bajinka have expressed shock and great concern over the detention incommunicado of their breadwinner for eight months at Mile II. Yahya, who was arrested shortly after his brother and former ADC, Major Kalifa Bajinka fled the country,was released few days later,but rearrested in Brikama on 16 April 2007. Since then, he has been incarcerated at the State Central Prison. While expressing doubt over the health condition of Mr. Bajinka, a family source appealed to the concerned authorities to release their family member. They noted that the detention incommunicado of Mr. Bajinka has caused them psychological strain and sleepless nights. The National Intelligence Agency had earlier denied arresting Mr Bajinka. Cuban Ambassador Hosts Media Fraternity By Fabakary B. Ceesay A good number of senior Gambian journalists including editors from the media fraternity were on Saturday 24 November, hosted by the Cuban Ambassador at his new residence at Fajara. The reception was held for a familiarization purpose and a chat between the media fraternity and the Cuban embassy. The interaction covered many issues, ranging from the days of slavery to women empowerment. References were made to the eradication of the Indian race and the influence of African tradition and religion on Cuban society. The Cuban ambassador Mr. Carlos M. Salsamendi embraced the media with open arms saying “My house is also your house.” Ambassador Salsamendi dilated on the role played by Cuba in Africa during the struggle against colonial rule. He said Cubans and Africans share many common experiences such as colonialist or semi-colonial exploitation. He said we were all victims of one common problem and have the same common solution to the problems. Ambassador Salsamendi indicated that Cuba and Africa have the same geographical features and climatic conditions. He pointed out that probably a good number of Gambians were taken into slavery in Cuba. He noted that most of these slaves were fighters who mutinied against the Spaniards at their plantations. He added that the offsprings of these slaves have also played a significant role in the attainment of the Cuban revolution. Going further Mr. Salsamendi pointed out the cordial relationship between the Gambian populace and the Cuban doctors throughout the country. He added that they also appreciate the good hospitality they receive from the Gambian people from Banjul to Basse. “Whereever we go, we are recognised, especially at the markets,” said Salsamendi. He pointed out that there are Cuban doctors who are very interested in learning the local languages and the Gambian way of life. He cited a radio medical program conducted by a Cuban doctor at Kerewan community radio in the Mandinka language. He said the program is meant to sensitize the local population on health issues. For her part, the first Secretary to the ambassador Mrs. Nancy Iglesias Mildenstein also the wife of the ambassador, pointed out the role played by women during the Cuban revolution and its aftermath. She said women hold key positions and ranks within the revolutionary council. She cited some African countries with female Cuban ambassadors with their husbands serving under them as Secretaries. She pointed out an incident during the revolutionary war when a group of women demanded to fully participate in combat as soldiers; that Fidel Castro gave his consent to it. She added that the awareness of women is always a priority to Castro. She said women had never been backbenchers in the revolution. She asserted that women hold senior ranks in the force. Banjul and Bakau Reach S/Nawettan Final By Lamin Komma and Sulayman Bah Banjul won Brikama 2-1 at the Serrekunda East grounds on Sunday to make a date with Bakau in the final of the Super Nawettan who saw off S/West on penalties on Saturday. Two first half goals by Banjul neutralised Brikama who went into the tough semi-final riding high with 7 points from group B. Banjul took the lead in the 23rd minute through Gambia Ports Authority FC striker Alagie Musa Camara. And just when the Western Region side were hoping to redraw their comeback strategy during the break, Banjul struck again through Powerful striker Ousman Jagne in the 43rd minute. In the second period Brikama played only to complete the remaining time and only troubling the tight Banjul defence from the right where star player Lamin Findi Jammeh continued to make his fine runs. And it was from the part of the field that Brikama collected their consolation in the 87th minute when Sainey Sambou head freely from a cross to full one back. The other semi final between Serrekunda West and Bakau ended in penalties after a goalless draw at the West grounds on Saturday. Serrekunda West failed to utilise their first half advantage having created the most chances. But a resurgent Bakau in the second period missed twice in the dying minutes as number 10 Alagie Janneh discovered his skills late on. Firing wide and setting up another moments later. However, Bakau were sent through to the final when West lost their second in the six-kick shootout during penalties winning 5-4. Serrekunda West Fails Yet Again By Sulayman Bah Serrekunda West has failed in their bid to claim a first ever triumph in the Super Nawettan competition crashing out of the competition to Bakau in post penalty shootouts on Saturday. West who were playing at home are the biggest under achievers in the history of the competition having reached the final on three occasions and losing all. And eager to erase such an ignominious history they fought hard to overrun their opponents from the start of the match. Three-goal striker Ebrima Drammeh could have registered his fourth when he missed narrowly from a cross by Ebrima Kinteh in early stages of the match to put West ahead. West continued to storm the Bakau goal area and two more chances by Alagie Berker Modou Sarr just before the break failed to break the deadlock. West started the second half with hope of overcoming their first half misfortune and continued their dominance in possession but failing to beat Abdoulie Njie in the Bakau goal. And as if to indicate who was to have the last laugh, Bakau turned the heat on Serrekunda West in the last 10 minutes and came close to scoring on two occasions. But they had to wait a little later before they could celebrate and it was delivered to them in the first kick by Serrekunda West during the penalty kicks when left Back Sarr missed his spot kick. But Bakau failed to finish the duel with their fifth kick as Alagie Omar Jallow hit the goal post. And West again handed every thing to Bakau with another missed kick, hitting the crossbar. Gambia Foreign Stars Roundup By Modou Nyang Gambians trading their football skills abroad returned to action in the weekend following more than a week break of international matches. And with the close of some of the leagues in Europe and elsewhere, players such as Dawda Bah, Abdoulie Corr (Paco) and Demba Savage Finland, Ebrima Sohna and Tijan Jaiteh Norway; Pa Dembo Touray, Lamin Conateh and Aziz Corr Nyang Sweden and Abdoulie Mansally and Sainey Nyassi USA; the season for some ended with accolades and championship medals whilst others return home with feelings of nostalgia and for some a moment of reflection for the next way forward. Tijan Jaiteh was crowned champion with his club Brann and Masally and Nyassi got a cup medal and were denied another in the last hurdle. And Pa Dembo Touray was also beaten in the last game denying him a championship medal once more. Austria – Pa Saikou Kujabi was an unused substitute in club SV Josko Fenster Ried’s 1-1 draw with SV Mattersburg on Saturday, whilst Modou Jagne’s SCR Altach received a 6-1 throbbing from SK Sturm Graz. Belgium – in the Belgian second division league Mustapha Jarjue and Assan Jatta are still on break having taken theirs lately before the international break. But during their midweek fixture on 14th November before the international break, the Gambian duo lost 1-0 away to Tubize with club K Lierse SK. Both of them were involved in the match but Jatta was substituted in the 57th minute. They will return to action on Sunday against K. AS.Eupen. Ebrima Sawaneh ’s KSK Beveren picked-up 6 points during the same period. Beveren defeated RS Waasland and Excelsior virton on 14th and 17th November respectively. Cyprus – in the Cypriot 1st division league Mustapha Kamal Ndow and his club Doxa Katokopias lost 2-1 to Nea Salamina on Saturday. Denmark – in the Danish SAS league striker Njogu Demba scored twice to help club Esbjerg to a 3-2 win over Brøndby IF on Sunday. Njogu has now scored 7 goals for Esbjerg this season, 6 of them in the league. England – in the English league 1 division (third tier league), Edrissa Sonko played until the 90th minute as Walsall humiliated Northampton 2-0 at their own ground on Saturday. Edi was substituted in the 90th minute by Paul Hall. Holland – Ebou Sillah wrote his name on the score sheet in a 2-2 draw against Helmond Sport on Friday. Sillah scored club, MVV Maastricht’s second to put them back in the lead but Helmond levelled late on to share the spoils. And former Scorpions captain Jatto Ceesay was not in his club FC Omniworld’s team list as they also played 2-2draw against haarlem FC on the same day. Norway – the Norwegian league has ended with Gambian youngster Tijan Jaiteh receiving a championship medal as his club Brann were crowned champions for the first time in 44 years and Ebrima Sohna’s Sandefjord side went down in to relegation. But Tijan is still in contention for yet another accolade with Brann fighting it out in the UEFA Cup competition. They will tomorrow play at home against Dynamo. Peru – in the Peruvian Premier division league, Yankuba Ceesay (mal) and his club Alinaza Atletico were won 1-0 against Total clean on Saturday. Ceesay who was booked in 33rd minute of the match was involved for the entire duration of the game. UAE – the United Arab Emirates Ettellasat league is on an extended break since on November 3rd and is set to resume but as the club continue to prepare for its upcoming matches, they played two test matches in the interim first with Sudanese side Alhilal and Omani club Altaleea. And in their match against Altaleea, Ousman Jallow scored twice as Alain won 4-1 finishing off the visitors early in the match. Ous scored 5 seconds after kickoff and before halftime, Alain were 3 up with Jallow scoring the third. Njogu Back on Target, Ebou Sillah Got First By Modou Nyang Striker Njogu Demba hit the net twice for club, Esbjerg as they cruised to a 3-2 win on Sunday against Brøndby IF. And Scorpions veteran Ebou Sillah, scored his first goal for Dutch club MVV Maastricht earlier on Friday. Demba who has not scored for Esbjerg since 2nd September when he scored a double against AC Horsens in a 4-3 defeat, but the stylish striker was back on song on Sunday after being in the scoring wilderness for 84 days. He put Esbjerg ahead in the 1st minute of the match to put his side ahead ending an eight match goal draught. And when strike partner Jesper Mikkelsen scored Esbjerg’ s second in the 38th before the break, Demba made it three in the 52nd to set the home side in a dream win. But Brøndby fought back and pulled two back in the 75th and 81st minute to end the match 3-2. The win has leapfrogged Esbjerg one step ahead of Brøndby in 8th position on the Danish SAS league table. Also in the Dutch second division Ebou Sillah scored his first goal for new club MVV Maastricht in a 2-2 draw with Helmond Sport on Friday. Sillah restored MVV’s lead after Habraken had cancelled out Van Boxel’s opener in the 14th minute. But three minutes later Helmond pulled back levelling the score through tom Daemen. Zone II Final Selection Released, Travels to Bissau Today By Modou Nyang The final selection of players for the Zone II Amilcar Cabral tournament in Bissau was released yesterday. Four players have been dropped from the team to trim it down to the required 18 man squad. And it has been confirmed to Foroyaa-sport that the team will travel to Bissau today by road to arrive in Bissau two days before they play Mali in their first match on Saturday. List of Selected Players Name Club Abdou Darboe Armed Forces Babucarr Sey Bakau Utd. Samba Bah Bakau Utd. Mandou Bojang GPA Abdou Njie GPA Pa Modou Jagne GPA Abdourahman Dampha GPA Robert Badjie Hawks Alagie Jobe Real Pa Landing Conateh Real Dimingo Manneh Sait Matty Ousman Koli Steve Biko Habib Kunta Steve Biko Amadou Gai Wallidan Sainey Touray Wallidan Wuyeh Sey Wallidan Momodou Lamin Sillah Wallidan George Cole Wallidan **************************************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]