Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 23/2008, 25 – 26, 2008
Editorial
Suspect on Bail Re-Arrested
Sending The Wrong Signal
When President Jammeh boasted during the swearing in of Justices of the Supreme Court, recently, that the Executive would not interfere with their work, many raised eyebrows. They did not believe that he meant what he said. Recently, Foroyaa did emphasise in one of its editorials that what is of significance is that words be matched with deeds? Did the executive match words with deeds?
On 14 February, two accused persons, namely Superintendent Manlafi Sanyang and Lt. Camara, were not in court to hear their application for bail. They were then in detention at the State Central Prison at Mile Two, a prison meant for convicts and not detainees who have either not been tried or are on trial. Bail was nonetheless granted. But Lt. Camara and Modou Lamin Sonko of Boto Construction, who was granted bail earlier, were both re-arrested and have also been detained for more than 72 hours, contrary to the requirements of the constitution.
Can this not send the wrong signal that irrespective of the decision of a court what matters is what the executive does?
Needless to say, section 120 subsection (3) of the constitution states explicitly, “In the exercise of their judicial functions, the courts, the judges and other holders of judicial office shall be independent and shall be subject only to this Constitution and the law and, save as provided in this Chapter, shall not be subjected to the control or direction of any other person or authority.”
Subsection (4) of the same section adds: “The Government and all departments and agencies of the Government shall accord such assistance to the courts as the courts may reasonably require to protect their independence, dignity and effectiveness.”
Journalist Mam Sait Faces Fresh Charges
A fifty to two hundred and fifty thousand dalasi fine and in default, one year imprisonment is in prospect for Mam Sait Ceesay, former Press Officer at the office of the President, if found guilty of a fresh charge with false publication contrary to the Criminal Code of the Laws of The Gambia.
Mam Sait Ceesay was invited to the Serious Crime Unit of the Gambia Police Force on Friday, February 22, to enter his plea to a two-count charge and was detained for four hours before he was released on bail. In September 2007, Mam Sait Ceesay and Malick Jones were jointly charged under the Official Secrets Acts. It was alleged that the two “gave information to a foreign journalist, who was harmful to the security of the state”.
Both accused persons pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody for a week before they were released on bail. On September 26, 2007, defence Counsel Antouman Gaye applied under Section 11 of the Official Secrets Act “for the accused persons to be discharged.”
Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates Court, in his ruling, held that the prosecution could not be mounted without the consent of the Attorney General first being granted. He therefore ‘stayed’ the action until the consent of the Attorney General was obtained and accordingly ordered the accused persons to step down.
Six months later, on February 22, 2007, Mam Sait Ceesay was singly charged with two counts of False Publication. Mr. Ceesay is yet to appear before a Magistrate.
FORMER DIRECTOR, MILITARY OFFICER AND BOTO’S PROPRIETOR IN DETENTION
Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mustapha Leigh, Ex Director of Technical Services at the Department of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructure, Lieutenant Bakary Camara -- a Presidential bodyguard and Momodou Lamin Sonko – Proprietor of Boto Construction have all been in detention for about a week now.
Both Lt. Camara and Mr. Sonko are currently on trial at the Banjul Magistrates Court charged with stealing a government motor vehicle.
Lt. Camara was on February 14, granted bail in the sum of one million dalasi by Justice Na Ceesay Sallah Wadda of the High Court following a bail application by his lawyer.
Earlier on, Mr. Sonko was also granted bail by the High Court also in the sum of 1 million dalasi.
However, Foroyaa has gathered that the two men have been re-arrested and detained upon the granting of the bail by the court and their subsequent release. Additionally, Mr. Leigh was also said to be arrested around the same period.
Meanwhile, the trial of Camara and Sonko is expected to resume on 26 February at the Banjul Magistrates Court.
Gilanfari Residents Awaiting Proposed De-mining Exercise
By Modou Jonga
More than two months after the Gilanfari land mine explosion in the Foni Bintang District, which resulted in the death of two students, residents of Gilanfari and environs, have again expressed concern that they have not seen any sign of de-mining, despite the promise made by the Gambia Armed Forces in the aftermath of the said incident.
Residents who spoke to this reporter believed that the landmine incident is the first of its kind in the country and that it has sent a wave of fear in villages close to the Senegalese region of Casamance.
The area where the landmine explosion happened had been declared a no-go area for residents since 2 December 2007. Residents who fear a reoccurrence of the incident said they have decided to limit their activities in the forest despite the fact that it is an area where they generate income. They also claimed that herdsmen are afraid to venture in to the forest with their cattle for fear that they could be maimed or killed by landmines. They lamented the difficulty they face in feeding their cattle. This reporter has, for some time now, been making efforts to get the comments of the GAF Public Relations, but his efforts failed to bear fruits. As soon as we get information from him, we shall publish it.
Canteen Owners React To Brikama Area Council Notice
By Modou Jonga
Canteen owners at the Brikama Central Market have reacted swiftly to a notice of increase rent issued to them by the Management of the Brikama Area Council, recently. Canteen owners said that the notice dated 15 February 2008 and signed by the market manager, Mr. Bunfaring Jadama, on behalf of the BAC Chief Executive Officer, is informing them that canteen rents are now increased from D400 to D600, with effect from Saturday, 1 March 2008.
Canteen owners complained that the rent increment is exorbitant, unbearable and discouraging. They further noted that in the notice given to them no reason was advanced for the increment and that they are paying electricity separately on a monthly basis. They said that their sales at the market are poor and, apart from that, they have to provide basic needs for their families. Canteen owners therefore urged the Management of the Brikama Area Council to reverse its decision and be engaged in improving the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the market.
In a attempt to seek the views of the BAC on the reason for the increase of rental fees, this reporter visited the market manager twice at his office on 22 February, 2008 but he was said to be out. Subsequently, the market manager was contacted on phone, but he requested this reporter to reveal the names of the canteen owners who spoke to him (the reporter). The reporter explained that what was important was his view on the matter and the market manager declined to make any comment.
On his part, the Public Relation Officer of BAC, Mr. Serigne Modou Joof, said the increment is based on concrete policy issues. Mr. Joof said the BAC had conducted a feasibility study and survey to that effect and it is discovered that what BAC charges is the cheapest in comparison with other area councils. He said BAC is poised to make a difference in terms of development. The BAC PRO noted that the increment has arisen out of necessity.
Two GADHOH Members Return from Spain
By Yaya Bajo
Two GADHOH board members, Madam Amie Cham and Mr. Landing Badjie, have recently returned from the 15th World Federation of the Disabled Congress in Spain . Madam Cham is the chairperson of the association’s Female Wing and Mr Badgie is the deputy to the entity’s Executive Director and a sign language teacher.
Madam Cham and Mr. Badjie met with prominent men and women who are deaf and have acquired a lot of new experiences. According to the duo, everyone they have met and everything they have been shown have indeed added something to their experience. “Most of the people we met were friendly and courteous. We gave information about The Gambia and GADHOH and received information on the outside world, as well”, they reported.
Amie and Landing shared their experience with colleagues and friends and have suggested to the national radio and television authorities, at a press conference they convened, to seriously consider introducing broadcasting sign news so that The Gambia will not be left behind by the development of the deaf taking place in the other parts of the world.
Tele Centre Operators Decry Loss of Business
By Modou Jonga
A Tele Centre operator who spoke to Foroyaa in the Western Region, following the recent noticed fast flowing of Units or Credits while making calls, has noted that this unprecedented development is causing a huge loss of income for them. They complained that their business is now stagnant because of this development, which scares off customers. They said when calling mobile numbers from a fixed line the amount of credit consumed now is higher compared to the previous days. They, however, noted that calling land phone numbers are normal.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Ousman Barrow, an executive member of the Tele Centre Owners Association, said they are currently experiencing extreme financial losses as their booths are not being used by customers. Mr. Barrow said that before the recent increase in the rates, he was generating about D2000 on Sundays and D500 on other days. He said he has reported this rather unfriendly business situation to the relevant authorities at Gamtel Mr. Barrow said that the Gamtel Staff whom he had spoken to have confirmed the recent developments but that they were urged by these authorities to close their business till further notice.
Bio-safety Cleaning House Project Launched
By Modou Jonga
The Biosafety Cleaning House Project (BCH), under the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, was on Thursday, 21st February 2008 launched at the Baobab Hotel Resort in Bijilo.
In delivering his official launching statement, the Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Forestry and the Environment, Mr. Bubu P. Jallow, said the BCH Project is a vital national project and it is aimed at assisting The Gambia to fulfill its obligation as a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). The P.S said that understanding the risks and potentials of modern Biotechnology will be valuable in assisting the country to adequately tackle biotechnological issues and in safeguarding the interest of the people and the natural environment. Mr. Jallow noted that The Gambia has fulfilled its obligation under the convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. He urged the National Biosafety Task Force Members to take pride in this and to demonstrate competence in implementing the National Biosafety Cleaning House Project.
On his part, the Coordinator of the BCH Project, Mr. Alagie Manjang, reiterated that The Gambia has signed and ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and that the objective of the BCH Project is to protect humans, agriculture and the environment, amongst others. Mr. Manjang urged for the facilitation of the exchange of biosafety information amongst governments. The BCH Project Coordinator dilated on the Memorandum of understanding between the Department of State for Forestry and Environment of The Gambia for the United Nations Environment Project for Building Capacity for Effective Participation in the Biosafety Cleaning House. Mr. Manjang noted the potential risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) on Humans, and the environment. He emphasised the need for the regulations and cooperation of national stakeholders in handling genetically modified organisms. Mr. Manjang disclosed that the BCH Project will soon embark on a national awareness campaign across the country.
Mr. Alpha Omar Jallow, Director of Parks and Wildlife Management chaired the launching ceremony.
Participants called for a regional framework on Biosafety and Biodiversity amongst others.
Brikama Area Council Lays Off Commission Collectors
By Modou Jonga
The then Chairman of the Interim Management Committee for the Brikama Area Council (CBA) and the Regional Governor of the Western Region, Mr. Abdou FM Badjie, has recently revealed that the BAC is overstaffed and that a provisional staff appraisal was conducted, which recommends the laying off of Commission Collectors and which has been done. Mr. Badjie noted that the Personnel Management Office were contacted to conduct a staff audit at BAC but the report of the said audit exercise is not yet available and that, appropriate actions would be taken in conjunction with the Department of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Yaya Tamba a member of the BAC Interim Management Committee reiterated the same position. Mr. Tamba noted that many projects contracted by the Area Council were pending and could not be completed. These projects, Mr. Tamba said, include the market projects for Sanyang, Pirang and Gunjur.
According to Mr. Tamba, the BAC was overstaffed with 60% of the Council’s revenue goes into the payment of salaries. He said despite the large number of Commission Collectors and Revenue Collectors, revenue arrears of three million dalasi is still being owed. He was quick to add that his committee has recovered arrears of revenue from institutions and companies in the sum of two million one hundred and twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and seventy-eight Dalasis, sixty-eight butut (D2,121,778.68)
Speaking further, Mr. Tamba said they inherited the said council when the accounts were in the red and it was providing services and paying salaries on overdraft. While noting that the BAC Interim Management Committee has cleared all bank loans owed by council to different Banking institutions, Mr. Tamba said BAC is now free with bank loans and has a balance of five hundred, and fifty thousand, and ninety-seven Dalasis sixty-one bututs (D550, 097.61) in their bank debit.
According to Mr. Tamba, because of disunity within Council, his committee could not discover a four-year strategy plan required for the operation of the Council. He said a recommendation for the incoming Council to focus on the operation of a developmental plan for the next four years has been made. He said, their report on the Council will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Local Government, and Lands and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ismaila Sambou, in the shortest possible time.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the BAC, Mr. Momodou Jallow, noted that the staff audit exercise has ensured financial discipline in the council. Mr. Jallow spoke of the need to upgrade the Brikama Area Council into a Municipality within three years. He urged all and sundry to work towards the realisation of this dream. In conclusion, he cited the indispensability of a sound resource base to this objective.
American Publisher, Wayne A. Young Visits The Gambia
By Baboucarr Ceesay
Timbooktoo hosted Port of Harlem magazine’s publisher, Wayne A. Young, at the Timbooktoo Bookshop building in Fajara for a “Meet and Greet Saturday” on Saturday, 23 February to foster networking between people of different walks of life. The “meet and greet” attracted celebrated writers, literature lovers, and Pan-Africans.
Wayne, publisher of the 13-year old Washington DC based quarterly, who can’t hide his love for Africa, told our reporter that Port of Harlem is a general interest magazine that focuses on various issues ranging from history to travel. He indicated that Port of Harlem publishes articles from a global Black perspective and integrates news and features about Blacks from around the world into the magazine’s department, which include “Praising the Past,” “Health,” “The Other Side,” “Entertainment” and so on.
Mr. Young’s answer to those who enquire about his political affiliation is simply: “I vote Black. I simply vote for the candidate who I think will help move the race from our current experience to a point where we can experience freedom, justice, equality, and equity at home and abroad. I write in my own name if I am convinced that none of the candidates will advocate policies that will allow our people to strive….”
Mr. Young believes that Pan-Africanism is love for oneself to progress and prosper and not synonymous to racism.
Port of Harlem is now available at the National Library of The Gambia, University of The Gambia Library and Timbooktoo.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
MAL-ADMINISTRATION OF BAKAU WOMEN VEGETABLE GARDEN BOOMERANGED AS TECHNICAL ADVISER CONVICTED
What About The Hidden Hands?
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column for quite a while now. We are now narrating the happenings of the 1990s as it relates to the Gambia.
In the last edition, we have dealt with the crisis that gripped the Bakau Women Vegetable Gardeners until they were expelled from their garden. We have stopped where we wrote that it was those women who did not know about the donated money who were being used by hidden hands to create disunity to bar those who knew from pursuing the donated money.
Let us continue the narration from where we stopped in the Foroyaa.
On the 23 of March 1990, Mr. Jalamang Jatta appeared before senior Magistrate J.D Amartey, at the Kanifing Magistrates Court, as the defendant. Those who lodged a suit against him, the plaintiffs, alleged that he was responsible for the destruction of their vegetables at their garden, opposite the Radio Gambia studios.
The plaintiffs were Mrs. Oumie Mboge, Mrs. Nyimasata Janneh, Mrs. Amie Kebbeh Bojang and Mrs. Sanjally Cham. The counsel for the plaintiffs was Mr. Sam George. The counsel for the defendant was Mr. Abdoulie Mboge. The case lasted for six months and judgment was delivered on Wednesday, 5th September 1990. The plaintiffs called five witnesses to convince the court of the legitimacy of their claims. The defendant called five witnesses to defend why he should not be held liable.
The plaintiffs claimed that one S.I Touray informed them that Jalamang Jatta said they should not step in the garden; that they asked S.I Touray what to do with their vegetables but S.I Touray emphasized that all he knew was that they should not step in the garden. The women said that up to that time they did not step foot in the garden.
The different complainants explained to the court what vegetables they had planted in the garden, which included cabbages, garden eggs, pepper, bitter tomatoes, onions, tomatoes, okra, legume, papaya etc; that by the time they left all the vegetables were ripe except the cabbages. They explained the estimated quantity of each vegetable that they expected to harvest if they were not banned from the garden. The plaintiffs said over two hundred women worked in the garden.
Mr. Daddy Sowe’s Evidence
Mr. Daddy Sowe, who helped the women to establish the garden, also said in the witness box that he was the very one who selected the spot for the garden; that the area was a jungle; that they formed the society called Bakau Women Vegetable Garden Tesito Society; that the co-founders were Biray Cham, Oumie Mboge, Fatou Aya Sanyang, Sanjally Cham and Nyimasata Janneh; that these were the committee members but there were others; that the British High Commission donated materials to them; that the American Embassy donated fencing materials; that at the time, Jalamang was not in the garden; that it was Jalamang who went to the garden with a policeman and told Oumie that she should go and report at the police station; that Jalamang, Oumie and Nyimasata together with the police officer went to the police station; that he too went to the police station and upon arrival, Jalamang told the police that Oumie and Nyimasata were not to go to the garden anymore as they had been driven out, after which he then left.
Under cross examination, Mr. Sowe said the society still existed; that he does not know of Bakau Women’s Horticultural Cooperative Society; that Oumie Mboge was vice president of the Bakau women vegetable garden tesito society; that Oumie Mboge is his wife; that the society had an account at the Bank.
When asked about the position of the 1985/86 accounts, Mr. Sowe said the files were in the office. Counsel for the defendant alleged that Mr. Sowe left the garden because of the state of those accounts; Mr. Sowe denied this and said it was the police who asked him to leave; that S.I Touray posted a policeman at the garden; that the ministry of agriculture had given them technical assistance in the form of a technical adviser and that Jalamang Jatta was one of such technical advisers.
Jalamang’s Evidence
Jalamang Jatta in his defence said he is an agricultural assistant and he was currently posted at the Bakau women horticultural cooperative society; that he has been working there since 1st October, 1985; that he has been there continuously since 1988; that he had been absent from the garden from the 10th January, 1988 to 4th April, 1988 when he was attending a course in Cairo, Egypt; that his duties at the garden were to assist the women to have awareness on gardening.
Mr. Jatta insisted that the society was called Bakau Women Horticultural Cooperative Society; that he had witnessed several disputes among the women; that one of the incidents was Oumie Mboge encroaching on beds owned by one Fatou Barrow Koto Camara, taking ten of them etc.
When asked what he saw with his own eyes after all those disputes, Jalamang said he saw some people trying to negotiate but after sometime some members were no longer there; that the society finally expelled Mr. Daddy Sowe, Oumie Mboge and Nyimasata Janneh. He denied using a tractor on the garden for demonstrations. He also denied reporting any disputes to the police; that when he returned from Cairo, he found police officers stationed at the garden; that he understood the police were told by the Bakau police station officer to tell Daddy Sowe not to step his foot in the garden and that there are 490 women vegetable growers.
At the end of the cross examination, the magistrate raised the question of calling the police, who were mentioned on several occasions, to give evidence.
Mr. George, counsel for the plaintiffs also commented that it was not only enough for the police to give evidence but should bring along their diary. Mr. Mboge, however, said they would consider the matter.
The magistrate then addressed the court and said it has come to the attention of the court that some people were causing trouble at the time. He called on all to allow the court to work out the truth of the matter. The two divided camps of the women were visibly noticed at this stage.
Addresses
Mr. Sam George, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, addressed the court and said among other things that according to the evidence before the court no such notice was given to any of the plaintiffs and the resolution should be two-thirds majority and there is no evidence that there has been two thirds majority or any majority for that matter. Mr. George said the conclusion is that the purported expulsion of the plaintiffs or some of them was illegal and wrong.
Mr. George also pointed out that the defense witnesses came to court and said that at the time of the purported expulsion of the plaintiffs, there was no produce in the garden and that the ground was as dry as the floor; but as he said, one of their witnesses Famata Fatty, said under cross examination that she planted pepper, okra, lettuce etc and harvested them when they were ripe “Just before the rains.” She also confirmed that the women worked throughout the year.
Mr. Sam George added that the other defense witnesses were schooled to come and purport a story, which does not tally with the graphic description of what had taken place. He asserted that the plaintiffs would not have brought the defendant, Jalamang, to court if he had not done something to them. He noted that Jalamang’s evidence was tainted with what he described as fanciful stories. “We knew he made a report to the police but he denied that”, Mr. George said. Mr. George finally concluded by submitting that the evidence of the plaintiffs was to be believed as against that of the defendant and his witnesses. He then asked the court to enter judgment for Oumie Mboge for D500, for Nyimasata Janneh D4500, for Amie Kebbeh Bojang D4500 and for Sanjally Cham D3000.
Mr. George said since the defendant is a civil servant, the Attorney General was made a party to this suit; that the judgment be entered against the defendant, jointly and severally, so that whilst it came to the question of payment, the state would pay for and on behalf of its servant.
Mr. Mboge did not come to give his address even though the court stood down to allow him to come and make his address.
The Judgment
The magistrate summarized the evidence before the court and said, among other things, that even if the plaintiffs were lawfully or unlawfully expelled, expulsion was not the issue in the court; that the plaintiffs should have been allowed to harvest their crops. He also noted that Jalamang had earlier on said that the police were there to prevent Daddy Sowe not to enter the garden. He then expressed that he hoped the threat was an ordinary threat; the threat, which ought to be ignored by the plaintiffs and for the plaintiffs to return and harvest their remaining, crops.
The magistrate entered judgment in favour of the following people and awarded them as follows; Oumie Mboge D1000; Nyimasata Janneh D900; Amie Kebbeh Bojang D900. The courts cost was estimated at D500.
According to Foroyaa, after the judgment, tension could be seen to be building up on the one side, while relief was being expressed by the other. Foroyaa also expressed hope that common sense would teach the women that if they remained divided, they who are poor, would continue to make each other suffer while the millions which could have provided them boreholes, storage facilities and so on would not benefit them in any way.
Interestingly enough, despite the court verdict, Mr. Jalamang Jatta remained at the garden as the technical adviser, and nothing was said about the alleged donated amount of two million dalasi.
See next edition of focus as we edge closer to the late 1990s.
“Stick To The Media Code Of Conduct” - GPU Prexy Tells Journalists
By Amie Sanneh
The President of The Gambia Press Union, Madi MK Ceesay, has told journalists to always stick to the Media Code of Conduct in order to be at the safe side. He said journalists should use GPU Media Code of Conduct as their Bible or Quran and always make reference to it when reporting.
The GPU President made these remarks, recently, at a one day sensitization on Child Abuse organised by the Child Protection Alliance for Media Practitioners at the president’s International Award Scheme. Mr. Ceesay described the Code of Conduct as crucial, accurate and functional to journalists and which they should have at the back of their minds. He added that for journalists to report responsibly, they should go by the Code of Conduct. The GPU President, commenting on the issue of child reporting, told the media practitioners that they should consider themselves as guiding principles to children. He also told journalists that when reporting issues dealing with children, it should be in their best interest.
Mr. Ceesay urged them to always ensure that they (the journalists) cross check their facts before publishing them. He said the public is counting on them and so they should not convey the wrong notions to the public.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
Part 9
With Amie Sillah
The Family Is Shattered
Nadia and Zahra were shattered when they heard the news. “On the whole this Jezebel of woman refused to change. She told us a lie. She is totally controlled by lust”. The girls cried their hearts out. They went to the hospital to visit their dad. He was on oxygen in coma. The girls sat by his bed with sullen face expecting the worst.
Doctor Jack Comes In
Doctor Jack came in to check on his patient. “He is still in coma but don’t worry he” I soon come around. He is deeply hurt, betrayed by the two people he trusts and loves”. Dr. Jack reassured the girls.
Dad Getting Well
A fortnight elapsed, dad is still in hospital. He is slowly recovering. The girls are worried at the slow pace of progress. Gradually daddy got better and was finally discharged.
Where To go
Daddy is now discharge. Dr. Jack called the girls in his office and spoke to them about dad’s health progress. “Physically your dad has made enormous progress but psychologically he is at zero. He is betrayed by the two people he loves best. Now he has lost confidence in people. It will take time to build up his confidence again. You have to be very patient with him. Show him great love and care to enable him loves builds trust again”. Dr. Jack advised. “We will take dad to the village. We can’t trust mom to take care of dad. She an eliminate him to be free with her lover”.
Dad Is Taken To the Village
The girls took dad to the village. Grandmas’ maid took care of him. Grandma was shock and disappointed in Aja and Ousman. “I cannot believe this; that Ousman can betray me as such after everything I have done for him. I am “Jaffoon (people pay my good deed for evil) I picked Ousman from the gutter. Now look at ho he has destroyed my only son. Allah will judge between us. He wrongs us. We did not wrong him. As far Aja, I leave her judgment for Allah. She is evil and wicked. She has bewitched my only son not to do anything or me but she has failed. He wanted your dad to do good only for her family not me his mother. When I was going for the Hajji, your mom sent her mother, aunt and her dad to go along with us. Your dad sent their ticket to Mauritania for them to board the plane from there. I wanted your dad to send my elder sister but your mom asked him to refuse. She bewitched him. Your dad made excuses for the following year. He never did until my sister died. I have a lot of scores to settle with your mom but I am a true believer. I’ll not revenge. Allah will fight for me and brought my son back to health and wealth”. Grandma confided with the girls. “But you never told us granny. You never told us”. Put in the girls. Aja is your mom. Her problem is with me not you or your daddy. I want you to experience her wickedness and then make a better judgment out of your own volition”. The girls kissed their granny and prayed for her long life and good health. They stayed for a while with daddy before they went back to the city. They did a big shopping for granny to ensure they lack nothing until they visit the village again.
The Girls And Mom
The girls visited their home and asked an audience with mom. “We need to talk to you mom! Can you give us the audience? “No1 I can’t!” She tried to dodge them. “You can and you will hear us out”. Mom tried to go away but the girls caught her and forced her down on the settee. “You have to talk to us bitch! You have to talk to us!” “Leave me alone! Leave me alone naughty, irresponsible girls!” “Who is naughtier? A married slot flirting with a driver-cum-houseboy now personal assistance our foot! Or desperate daughters trying to bring sanity into their mom’s brain to help organise and salvage her failing family?” As she resisted, the girls fell upon her and beat the hell out of her. “Get out of my house before I set the Gendarme on you!” “You are the one to be chopped out of our house. This house is not yours but the family of Alhajj Matarr. Salma sends the money to build the bungalows. You soiled your matrimonial bed with your houseboy. Get out of our life and our sight!” The girls dragged her out of the house.
Girls Are Arrested
The Gendarmes came and arrested the girls. They were taken to Headquarters and charged with assault.
Gra Soul Bails the Girls
Gra Sould heard the news. He went to bail the girls. He was able to secure their bail. They were grateful. They thanked Uncle Soul for looking after their backs. “You are daddy’s true friend. May Allah grant your wish in life”. “You are always welcomed. Your mom is wicked. Am sorry, she is slot. She was never faithful to your dad. Her sexual life is voracious. She flirts with anything in trousers. She tried to seduce me many times in the past but I rejected her outright. I am bad and flirtuous but not to your mom. I love and respect your dad. He is my friend since our primary school days. We watch each others back. Feel free! Ask me for any assistance I’ll do it.” He drew a cheque of D20, 000 for the girls to take care of their family needs. The girls shed emotional tear. They thanked their uncle for his kindness and concern. “Uncle Soul! You are a family. May Allah guide you and fills yours fountain bountifully,” “Amen!” Uncle Soul embraced the girls.
At The Home
Dry eye cover shame. Aja now did not give a damn about anything. She openly flirted with Ousman whose initial guilt has now disappeared. He is now enjoying the full bosom of Aja and her new found wealth. Aja disposed her family of their wealth. She changed all the papers to her name. She now spent a lot of money on Ousman expensive jeep. Most of the trips abroad are now being done by Ousman. Ousman opened a secret bank account where he siphoned the foreign exchanges.
Nadia Comes To The Home
Nadia came to the house talk along her luggage and that of Zahra. She passed the lovers without greeting them. Mom protested. “Nadia! Didn’t you see us? Can you enter someone’s house without greeting?” “Oh! Did I pass person> am I entering someone’s house? I never knew. I though I came to a bush of wild, shameless animals! Excuse me!” “What! How can you be so rude to your mom? She gave birth to you remember!” “Shut up! Who is talking to me? The Black Mamba! A gold digger! Shut up I am not talking to you! I hate you! I hate you for life! I hate you for what you have done to my family!” You talk to me like that?” Ousman questioned Nadia. “Go to hell and rot there!” “Discipline her! She is rude. Teach her a lesson she’ll never forget”. Ousman took a stride. He took out his trouser’s felt and beat the hell out of Nadia. She is fair in complexion. All her skin was lacerated. She ran out of the house to salvage her dear life. Mom gleed. “That’s fine! That’s good for a spoilt brat! That’s a good lesson. Come here lover boy! Come to mom! Let us have fun. These spoilt brats have to be taught a lesson. They are their dad’s freedom fighters. It serves Nadia rights. She will explain her ordeal to Zahra. They will learn to leave us alone. Let them go and take care of their bed ridden dad. He is no use to me even when he was sound and healthy much more now when he is an invalid. Life is for living. We will live our lives to the zenith”. Ousman and Aja made love at the settee.
To be cont’d
Water Shortage Hits Seyone
By Modou Jonga
Residents of forty-five compounds at Seyone village in the Marakissa Ward, in the Kombo Central District of the Western Region, have currently witnessed water shortage. According to reports, the shortage is caused by the cutting-off of the water pipe that supplies water to Seyone. The borehole, which is located at Busura and supplies water to the villages of Seyone, Busura and Jalabantang, is a water project of the European Commission. Reports note that the said water project is coordinated by the Department of Water Resources and is being managed by GAMSOLAR.
Water shortage; according to reliable reports hit Seyone few days after the just concluded Local Government elections in which an independent candidate emerged victorious. A total of 25 taps are said to be under the said water project, six are located at Jalabantang, 14 are located at Busura and five are at Seyone. However, the water committee of the said project disconnects the five taps at Seyone and the taps are dysfunctional.
Speaking to this reporter, a resident of Seyone alleged that the disconnection of the water pipe is politically motivated and that both the composition of the water committee and the distribution of taps are unbalanced. They noted that the whole village is entirely dependent on one local tap. The women noted that the cutting off of the water supply has caused them hardship forcing them to fetch to water from their uncovered wells, despite the associated risk.
The residents of Seyone, said the water committee has asked all the three beneficiary villages to make a total yearly payment of thirty thousand, seven hundred and forty dalasi (D30, 740). They noted Seyone is required an amount of seven thousand, six hundred and eighty five dalasis (D7685), for Jalabantang and D15,370 for Busura. Residents said the amount Seyone is asked to pay does not commensurate with the amount of water they consume and suggested that a separate water meter for each beneficiary village be provided.
According to the residents, the grand total of D30,740 is paid yearly to GAMSOLAR, part of which is used for the maintenance of the taps and the rest is returned to the water committee. They said the water committee opened an account but all the signatories to that account are residents of Busura and Jalabantang. “We do not have access to it,” they posited.
On his part, the chairman of the water committee, Malanding Sanneh, said the water project is meant purposely for Busura but that it is out of good neighborliness that they connected Seyone and Jalabantang. Mr. Sanneh said his committee was set up to manage the affairs of the water project and that it was agreed that each compound within the three beneficiary villages should pay D240 and contribution towards the said grant total. Mr. Sanneh noted that Seyone has defaulted in paying their contribution to his committee and that the water pipe that supplied Seyone was disconnected previously, in 2006. He said several meetings were convened by his committee for the settlement of the arrears and representatives of Seyone have failed to attend.
According to Mr. Sanneh, before the Council elections, he had requested his assistant, Yunus Kujabi, a resident of Seyone to facilitate the collection of the arrears from Seyone but to no avail. On whether Jalabantang and Busura paid their share, Mr. Sanneh noted that the two villages have paid the major part of the money they are required to pay and that has exempted them from being disconnected.
He told this reporter that the Deputy Director of the Immigration Department, Mr. Buba Sanyang, has paid ten thousand dalasis for the water pipe to be reconnected for Seyone. He said the water supply to Seyone will be reconnected but a meeting will be convened to discuss any future default in payment. The said ten thousand dalasis, noted Mr. Sanneh, is handed over to the new Alikalo of Seyone, Kebba Jatta.
Drivers Deplore State of Motor Park
By Musa Barrow & Madiba Singhateh
Drivers have described the state of the motor park at Tipper Garage Car Park as totally unacceptable and inconceivable. The lack of latrines and the congestion at the car park are deplorable.
Drivers who spoke to these reporters deplored the present state of affairs at the car park which, they argued, is seriously hindering their work and called for immediate action to properly redress the situation.
Speaking to these reporters, the Chef de garage of the said motor park said the lack of latrines at there park is a major problem for both drivers and passengers. He revealed that some people, as a result of lack of latrine have been compelled to ease themselves within the park. He showed this reporter areas in the park which were littered with human excreta and urine. He said the unhygienic condition at the park, where they buy and eat food and drink water, is posing a threat to the health of food consumers . He said the environment could have devastating health impact on the people.
The Chef de garage further explained that they had tried to stop people from easing themselves within the park but that there is no alternative facility for them where he could direct people to go to and ease themselves.
He also complained that his park does not even have a cleaner. He said he volunteers to clean the park himself.
One Mr. Boye, a driver, who has been plying between Tanji and Brufut for six years, described the Tipper Garage Car Park as a very filthy public place. He noted that the presence of human excreta and urine in the midst of people is not acceptable under any circumstance. He also remarked that despite the fact that drivers are being regularly compelled to pay all their dues, very little is being done to improve conditions at the car park. Boye added that he and his fellow drivers at the park are exposed to health hazards. He called on the Transport Union to do something to alleviate the suffering of drivers. He also indicated there isn’t enough space at the motor park for all the vehicles.
Another driver, Mr. Manneh, added that it is quite disheartening to note that at a time when people are calling for a clean environment the car par is being littered with all kinds of rubbish.
A senior driver at the car park, Mr. Sarr, revealed that the car park was allocated on temporarily basis. Mr. Manneh narrated that the car park was allocated to them two years back when the Central Car Park at Serrekunda was undergoing reconstruction.
He pointed out that although latrines and enough space for the drivers are essential, the establishment of a permanent car park, which he described as their primary, is urgently needed.
Mr. Manneh also called for a stronger Transport Union which, according to him, is the most effective means to articulate for the needs of drivers.