Thursday 28 July 2011

Peace Corps volunteer visits Gambia after 38 years

By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger 
 
Clinton with His family
The first black US Peace Corps volunteer to come to The Gambia, in 1970, nine years after the founding of Peace Corps by former US President John F Kennedy in 1961, has arrived in The Gambia with his family, to share his experience as a peace corps volunteer.
Clinton Etheridge, who is in Banjul accompanied by his family including three of his children, four-year-old grand daughter and son-in-law, addressed a gathering among them US ambassador to The Gambia, Pamela Ann White, on Tuesday at the American Corner along Kairaba Avenue.
Clinton Etheridge served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1970 to 1972 in The Gambia, where he taught Maths at Latrikunda (LK) School. He also met Alex Haley here in Banjul, during Haley’s research on his roots and tracing his ancestral home.
Being in the country courtesy of the US Embassy and US Peace Corps Banjul office, Clinton gave a lecture on the topic “A Returning Peace Corps Volunteer: Then and Now.”
He recalled that, 40 years ago, he was the first black Peace Corps volunteer in The Gambia, noting that he came trying to answer the question: “What is Africa to me?”
“Here in The Gambia, I was a senior Maths Master at LK School, and I was also the Peace Corps Maths curriculum development coordinator at that time, and a member of the Peace Corps basketball team,” he recalled.
According to him, he met Alex Haley in The Gambia in 1972, when he was tracing his roots back to Juffereh village and his African ancestor, Kunta Kinteh.
“I came of age during the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In those days, young Africa-Americans were black and proud of Africa. We tried to identify ourselves with Africa leaving our hair in afro,” he told the audience.
Currently the vice president of the California Economic Development Leading Initiative, Clinton said there are several important lessons he learnt in Africa.
Jeffrey Cornish, Peace Corps Country Director, speaking in a post lecture interview said they feel proud as Peace Corps volunteers to welcome Clinton after serving in The Gambia some 40 years ago.
According to him, since its formation in 1961, Peace Corps volunteers have contributed meaningfully towards the development of The Gambia in various ways.
The lecture was also graced by Ms Cindy Gregg, the deputy US chief of mission in Banjul.


Death sentence for Farafenni military camp attacker

 By Malamin Conteh, The Point Newspaper
Sonko: " I will appeal against my sentenced"


The high court in Banjul yesterday convicted and sentenced Abdoulie Sonko, alleged to be one of the Farafenni army camp attackers, to death on murder and treason charges.
Justice Emmanuel Amadi in delivering his judgment pointed out that the convicted person was arrainged at the high court in Banjul on 26 January 2004, where he was charged with nine criminal counts, which included three counts of treason and six counts of murder.
He said the accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him, adding that the prosecution called six witnesses in support of their case, while Sonko testified on his own behalf, without calling any witness.
Justice Amadi, in his judgment stated, among other things, that he perused the exhibits, adding that exhibit A corroborated the evidence of Ballo Kanteh and as a result the prosecution had proven his case beyond all reasonable doubt that the convicted person and his co-accused conspired to overthrow the government by unlawful means by attacking Farafenni army camp, on 8 November 1996, which led to the death of six military officers.
The judge said he also believed that the convicted person was among those who escaped from the attack, and he was the one at large.
He added that the convicted person was a member of Sofa Association, whose goal was to overthrow the government of The Gambia by attacking Farafenni army camp. 
He consequently found the convicted person guilty as charged, and convicted and sentenced him to life on count 1 and 3, while on counts 4 to 9, he was sentenced to death.
It would be recall that the convicted person, Abdoulie Sonko, was charged by state prosecutors in 2003, and subsequently arraigned at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.
The case was later transferred to the high court, where the accused faced three counts of treason and six counts of murder. 
He was said to have murdered Corporal Essa Keita, Private Ebrima Manneh, Staff Sergeant Lamin Badjie, Private Bakary Keita and Private Ebrima Bayo, along with Ballo Kanteh and others, during an armed attack on the Farrafenni military camp, sometime in November 1996.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Murder suspects risk five years jail term if...

By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
Alhagie Modou Jeng, biological father to one Malick Jeng now deceased, and one Dembo Bojang, earlier this year charged with murder, were yesterday convicted and sentenced to a fine of D30, 000 in default to serve five-years-imprisonment.
This development followed a judgment delivered by Justice Joseph Ikpala of the Special Criminal Court in the case, following the prosecution and the defence’s closure of their case.
The judge after evaluating the evidence of the prosecution witnesses found the accused persons guilty of a negligent act causing death, instead of murder, and fined them D30,000 in default to serve five-years-imprisonment.
In his marathon judgment, the judge stated that the accused persons are culpable for a negligent act causing death, but not for murder.
State prosecutors charged the duo with conspiracy to murder, administration of noxious substance to endanger or cause grievous harm, murder, rash or negligent act causing death and failure to provide the necessities of life and thereby endangering life.
Prosecutor accused the duo of conspiring among themselves at various places to murder Malick Jeng on 1st March 2010.
They were further accused of administering noxious things on the person of Malick Jeng, which endangered his life, in the same month and date, at the premises of Dembo Bojang in Somita.
Prosecutors said the accused persons on 1 March 2010, in Somita village unlawfully caused the death of Malick Jeng, while count four stated that the accused persons on the same date and place rashly and negligently administered herbs on Malick Jeng, and thereby caused his death.
State prosecutors further accused Alagie Modou Jeng, that between January and March 2010 in The Gambia, being the biological father of Malick Jeng and the person charged with the duty of providing necessities of life, of failing to provide orthodox medication to Malick Jeng and thereby caused his death.

In narcotics officers murder trial, sister of deceased gives evidence

The sister of the deceased person in the criminal trial involving two narcotics officers of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, (NDEA), testified yesterday at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul.
The NDEA officers were alleged to have beaten one Cherno Alieu Suwareh, leading to his death.
State prosecutors accused Eku Grant and Ebou Lowe of unlawfully causing the death of Cherno Alieu Suwareh by hitting him on the head and knocking his head against the wall, knowing that death would be the probable consequence of such acts.
In her evidence, Kaddijatou Suwareh told the court that she lives at Kanifing Estate, and works at Banjul Pharmacy as a cashier, adding that the deceased person was his younger brother.
She recalled that on 4th April 2011, she received a phone call from one Adama Cham and Fakebba, informing her that some NDEA officers where asking for her, saying his brother was hospitalized.
"After I was informed, I called one of my sisters to spread the information that Che (the deceased) was hospitalized. I then went to the hospital to ascertain the matter and, at the hospital hall, I found two NDEA officers and I introduced myself as the sister of the deceased," Ms Suwareh told the court.
She added that at the hospital, she found her brother lying unconscious.
"After two days, he was transferred to the intensive care unit for further medication, but his condition remained the same. The deceased was given medication following the prescription," she further adduced.
"The deceased was not responding to me despite talking to him while at his sick bed. His eyes were in a bad condition, which prompted us to call the attention of the medical personnel to check his eyes. They called the eye specialists who checked," Ms Suwareh further testified.
She said at the intensive care unit, the doctors confirmed that the deceased sustained injuries on his head, adding that she later left for home to prepare lunch.
"While at the market, I received a call from my husband that I should immediately return to the hospital as my brother’s condition was deteriorating. I saw my brother lying dead on his hospital bed," the prosecution witness told the court.
Cross-examination by defence lawyers continues today.

US quite clear on intended outcome in Libya - Commander US African Command

By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
General Ham
"United States has been quite clear to say its intended outcome in Libya and, that is, we would like to see a Libyan government which is selected by the Libyan people in a free and fair process, and to seek a free and secure Libya in everyone’s interest," US Army General and Commander of US African Command based in Germany has said.
General Carter F. Ham, who was in Banjul for the just-concluded African Endeavour Test Exercise 2011, told local journalists at a press conference at the Coco Ocean Hotel in Bijilo that the US government made a decision that the Transitional National Council best represents the majority of people in Libya.
According to General Ham, the operations in Libya are all conducted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which started under a US-led coalition, but ended under NATO command control.
"The mission is outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which calls for principal protection of citizens in Libya," he added.
He said the US Africa Command operates under two main principles. It stands for a safe, stable and secure Africa, which is in the best interest of the USA, and to seek ways the US can contribute to the safety and security of Africa.
"The second underlying principle is that it is Africans themselves who are best able to address Africa’s security matters, and what we seek to do as US Africa Command is to find ways in which we can help Africans in the way they want to be helped. That is the principal purpose of this organization," he told journalists.
General Ham also told journalists that in the early days when the Command was first discussed in 2006/7, there was some discussion that the US Africom headquarters be in Africa, but that proved to be very costly, and there were other reasons that made it not feasible.
"So we expect to stay in Stuttgart," he added
"The good news is that in and across Africa, the national interests of one country coincide with those of their neighbors and that leads to a regional level of cooperation," General Ham said, adding that this gives some hope that though difficult, Africans will find some way to work through these periods, and find ways to collaborate more effectively in the future.
"We have had discussions with the Gambian authorities that the next area that will require focus, assistance and cooperation is the maritime domain; to help build maritime security forces.
"Developing a sense of mutual trust and confidence is an essential component to regional cooperation and integration," he noted.
"We are pretty widely engaged across Africa, and the US presence is pretty small in any other particular exercise and, again, we are not seeking to have the leading role. We want to allow the host nations to have a leading role," he added.

High court frees murder suspect but...

 By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
The Special Criminal Court yesterday acquitted one Rameh Trawally who was standing trial for murder, after it ruled that the prosecution’s case "lacks evidence".
"I hold that the prosecution had woefully failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt that Rameh Trawally was culpable for the offence he stands charged," presiding judge Joseph Ikpapa said in delivering judgment.
Trawally was accused of murdering one Ahmed Faal by chopping his neck from his body with a cutlass in June 2009, at Sanyang village in the Kombo South district of West Coast with malice aforethought.
However, following his acquittal by the high court judge, prosecutors handling the case told the superior court that the state would appeal against the acquittal of Trawally, and thus urged the court to remand him in custody pending the determination of the appeal.
Defence counsel Uzoma also told the court to exercise its discretion not to detain the acquitted person in custody, but instead grant him bail pending the said appeal put forward by the state prosecutor.
Counsel cited the criminal procedure code to support his argument, while urging the court to grant the acquitted person bail pending the appeal.
The judge after hearing from both sides, granted bail to the acquitted person, set at D2 million with one Gambian surety who can show evidence of ability to meet the bail conditions.
The bail condition further stipulated that Trawally should be reporting to the assistant registrar, and his surety must also deposit his or her title deed with the court registrar.
Trawally, said to be a Malian national, can only be a free man if he fulfills his bail condition of D2 million.
The trial judge in his judgment stated that the onus lies on the prosecution to prove the element of truth in their case, adding that after going through the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, he was not convinced that the evidence adduced had linked the acquitted person to the offence charged.
"Both the prosecution and the witnesses agreed that there was no evidence in the death of the accused," the judge stated.
The prosecution during the course of the trial called 12 witnesses and tendered multiple exhibits, including a cutlass, two trousers, T-shirt, red cap, sketched plan of the scene of the crime, death medical certificate, postmortem report, photograph of the deceased and scene, as well as the cautionary and voluntary statements of the acquitted person.
Life Imprisonment for Rapist
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Special Criminal Court also on the same day convicted and sentenced one Lamin Krubally to life imprisonment, after the court found him guilty of raping his step-daughter.
In this case, Justice Joseph Ikpala said the prosecution had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt that the convicted person was guilty as charged.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Democracy is impossible without freedom of expression - veteran US journalist

Veteran US Journalist Cue
“Democracy is impossible without liberty of expression, without freedom of speech in all its forms, including the right of association, right to speech and write, to say what you think, form your opinion,” Eduardo Cue, a veteran US journalists has said.
Cue, based in Paris and stringer for US News and World Report, was speaking while giving lectures to local journalists on the role of journalism in Democracy at the American Corner on Monday.
The lecture is part of a series of others to be delivered at a two-week intensive course organized by the US embassy in Banjul for over 20 Gambian journalists drawn from both the print and electronic media.
Having worked with the UN High Commission for Refugees based in Geneva as a spokesperson, Mr Cue described Africa as an important continent, noting that he is very much aware of the extremely difficult conditions under which African journalists operate.
According to him, dictatorship is impossible with freedom of expression. This, he said, is because dictatorship simply cannot operate with freedom of expression. “It simply cannot happen for reasons that are quite obvious and it is impossible to speak of democracy without talking about freedom of speech,” he stated.
He told journalists that freedom itself is concept philosophical and that it is a gift for every citizen to have the right to assemble with others, forming associations, labour unions, groups, the rights to write and speech, and write to criticize.
Democracy, he said, is a process not an event. “If you think about what is going on in North Africa and the Arab world beginning from Tunisia, going to Egypt, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Morocco, we could say that democracy has to be constructed, and constructing that democracy in those countries will be a long and very difficult process,” he stated.
Cue further told journalists that their fundamental role in democracy is to give the ordinary citizens the tool, which can make decisions and those tools are of course information, that right to know what is going on in their countries, neighborhood, region and in the world. “The fundamental problem is that in any system including established democratic systems, those who are in power and those who hold economic, political and social powers are those we call the elite. We think they know better and they think that they are keys to the truth; they think that doing it in their ways is the way to move forward,” he added.

Ex-GPU President, Dr Scatred Janneh, others face treason charges

Ex- GPU President
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger

Prof. Dr. Janneh
Janneh and Co accused being escorted out of Court
The state has finally preferred charges of treason against Dr Amadou Scatred Janneh, former communications minister.
The state also now announced the same treason charge against Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh, former president of the Gambia Press Union, Mathew K. Jallow, US-based Gambian, and one Famara Demba.
Dr. Janneh also faces a two-count charge of seditious acts alongside Michel C. Ucheh Thomas, Modou Keita and Ebrima Jallow, all of whom were previously arraigned at the high court in Banjul.
During their appearance at the Special Criminal Court yesterday, both Janneh, Thomas, Keita and Ebrima Jallow denied the charges preferred against them.
However, Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K Jallow and Famara Demba are said to be out of the jurisdiction of the court.
State prosecutors accuse Dr. Janneh on count one of treason, stating that he conspired with Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, Famara Demba, and others at large on  26th May 2011 in diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia to overthrow the government of The Gambia.
Dr Janneh, Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, and Famara Demba were also accused of preparing to overthrow the government of the Gambia by unlawful means on  26th May 2011 in diverse places in the Gambia and elsewhere.
On count three, prosecutors further charged Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, and Micheal C. Ucheh Thomas with seditious acts.
Prosecutors said the four accused persons and others at large conspired amongst themselves on 26th May 2011 at diverse places in The Gambia to print and distribute 100 T-shirts which carried seditious statements to wit; “Coalition for Change the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”
Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, Micheal C.Ucheh, and others at large are also accused to have on or about the 26th May 2011 at diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia with intent to cause or bring into hatred, contempt or excite disaffection against the person of the president  or the government of The Gambia, printed and distributed 100 T-shirt carrying seditious statements to wit; “Coalition for Change the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”
Shortly after plea taking, state prosecutor applied for an adjournment in the case for hearing to commence by the next adjounment date.
Defence Counsel Lamin S Camara representing the accused persons did not raise any objection to the application, and the trial judge, Justice Joseph Ikpala, subsequently adjourned the case till 13th October 2011.
It would be recalled that Dr. Janneh and his co-accused were previously arraigned at the
Banjul Magistrate Court
charged with treason, conspiracy and sedition but the matter was later transferred to the high court, which has jurisdiction to hear the case.
Following their appearance at the high court, the prosecution, on two occasions, did not file substantial charges against the accused persons, until yesterday when they presented the charges.
Janneh, a former political science lecturer in the US and at one time a political and economic affairs officer at the US Embassy in Banjul, came to court with his co-accused persons in handcuffs and legs shackled, amidst tight security.

Monday 18 July 2011

‘Opposition parties working towards an alliance’

UDP Leader: " Hopes for An alliance"
 By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger

Veteran opposition leader and Secretary General of the United Democratic Party has assured Gambians, in the run up to the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for 24th November 2011, that each of the opposition parties in the country is seriously working towards forming a formidable opposition alliance.
“The opposition parties in this country are working towards an alliance.  PDOIS has an approach for an alliance and the UDP has another approach for an alliance. What is left now is how to harmonize those approaches for that alliance, and I believe that will come to fruition,” Darboe told The Point in an interview on Saturday.
Commenting on the recent meetings by different political parties to address the issue of days allocated for the official campaign period for the presidential election, the UDP leader told this reporter that, as far as the United Democratic Party is concerned, the campaign period set by the Independent Electoral Commission is “too short”.
“In a very short interview with a local newspaper (The Standard), I stated my views and the views of the United Democratic Party that, as far as the campaign period is concerned, we feel that the period is too short and inadequate, and we hope that something will be done about it,” he stated.
Darboe, who declined to comment on the meetings held by opposition parties, said their discussions are privileged discussions and the outcome is not to be disclosed.
“Any statement to be made will be disclosed by one of those people directed to do so. It will not be proper for me to reveal what was discussed,” he stated.
Commenting on the ongoing meet-the-people tour by President Yahya Jammeh, the UDP leader reiterated his earlier statement that though the tour is ordinarily one that is enjoined by the constitution, President Jammeh should not use it as a political campaign ahead of the forthcoming polls.
“And, obviously, he is canvassing for votes. There is absolutely no doubt about that, because his ministers have been appealing for people to vote massively for him,” Darboe further stated.
Noting that he will not predict that he will be a candidate in the forthcoming elections, the UDP leader stated that he will certainly seek his party’s nomination as a presidential candidate in the November polls.
On the issue of funds for the campaign, Darboe said that every party is raising funds for its campaign, and “we at the UDP are raising funds that will enable our party to successfully conduct a decent campaign.”
He noted that any party that is vying for elections must raise funds.
“Even if for the local government elections, parties have to raise funds much more a presidential election,” he added.
UDP Priorities 
Commenting on what he said are some key areas that will be priorities to his party, the UDP leader said his party’s priorities will include the economy and agriculture, noting that with all the related sectors, his party cannot really ignore such, as they are very important and they impact on the lives of the ordinary Gambians.
“A bag of sugar is D1500. How many people can afford to get this, especially now that the Muslim holy month of Ramanda is coming, and how many people do earn D1500 a month? “ he asked.
“The cost of fuel is not decreasing, but is increasing instead because of the increase in the pump price of fuel without any budgetary approval for this by the National Assembly. 
“These are some of the issues we will be really taking up,” he further stated.

Friday 15 July 2011

Judgment set in Ensa Badjie case

Ex Police Chief
After more than one year of a legal tussle, former police chief Ensa Badjie, charged with robbery related offences, will soon know his fate at the high court in Banjul, which has set 29th July as the date when it will deliver judgment in the case.
Badjie, already on another trial alongside two other senior military officers, under a 51-court charge including drug related offence, corruption and theft, will know his fate together with former Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Ali Ceesay.
Indicted since May last year, Badjie is among other crimes accused of conspiring with others “to break into and rob shops, banks and supermarkets between the years 2007 and 2009”, and thereby committed an offence.
This latest development came during yesterday’s proceedings, after defence counsel BS Touray representing Ensa Badjie, who had applied for the Special Criminal Court to grant him an extension of time, finally completed the filing of his written address before the said court.
However, the deputy director of public prosecution, SH Barkun, objected to his application, indicating that the court has earlier on made it categorically clear that there will be no extension of time in the said matter.
“No matter how brilliant the counsel’s address is, it will not amount to giving evidence in the case,” Barkun told the court.
Presiding judge Justice Enwa Joseph Ikpala after listening to both parties overruled the defence counsel’s request, and subsequently set aside 29th July as the day he will deliver his judgment in the case.
Recast
Readers could recall that the duo are standing trial on different charges, ranging from conspiracy to commit a felony, robbery with violence, receiving stolen property, aiding and abetting, robbery, conspiracy to commit misdemeanor, aiding prisoners to escape, official corruption, conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with witnesses, deceiving witnesses, offences relating to judicial proceeding, and using criminal charms, among others.
The prosecution in order to prove its case called several witnesses to testify, including one Soriba Condeh, a convict serving a jail term of 14 years at Mile 2 prison, Pateh Jallow, former deputy chief of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA), Muhammed Sillah, a police officer, Muhammed Darboe, also a convict at Mile 2, and Baba Tundeh Khan proprietor of the famous ‘City Pub’ Bar and Restaurant also called as prosecution witnesses were, Fatou Jato Mendy, Salieu Baldeh, another convict serving a jail term, police superintendent Landing Bojang, officer commanding Serrekunda Police Station, police inspector Abdoulie Sowe, officer commanding Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Bakoteh  Police Station, and Dodou Janneh, alias Do Boy, a murder convict serving a death sentence.
The then Director of Public Prosecutions, Richard N. Chenge, had previously filed a 17-count charge against the former Inspector General of Police, Ensa Badjie, CSP Ali Ceesay, and three others, namely Omar Jahateh, a police officer, as well as Kemeseng Kolley and one Ismaila Colley, both prison officers. The charges against the two Kolleys and Jahateh were later dropped.
Ex-police chief Ensa Badjie and his co-accused first appeared at the Special Criminal Court on Friday 21st May 2010, where their plea of not guilty was recorded, following their denial of the charges preferred against them by the state.
The ex-police chief is presently facing other criminal indictments at both the lower court and high court in Banjul.
Badjie is involved in another trial relating to abuse of office at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court alongside Tijan Badjie, former head of police prosecutions Banjul division.
Badjie also got entangled with another D20 million civil suit filed against him by a local business tycoon. This case was, however, struck out by Justice Lamin Jobarteh.

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Development cannot be separated from politics – Dr Saja Taal

Dr Taal at Meeting
Renowned political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia, Dr Saja Taal, has opined that development cannot in any way be separated from politics.
Dr Taal, who once served as the head of the APRC Bureau in Banjul, was speaking yesterday at a sensitization meeting organized by the newly-created APRC taskforce committee in various communities in the Kombo North district of the West Coast Region.
While calling on Gambians to come out in their large numbers and vote during the forthcoming elections, Dr Taal predicted what he described as an unbeatable victory for President Yahya Jammeh.
“President Jammeh has already won the forthcoming presidential election, but what the task force wants is to increase Jammeh’s winning percentage. So vote for someone who will put your interest and concerns on top of his agenda,” he added.
The APRC taskforce committee, formed some few months ago, has since embarked on a series of consultations and sensitization of voters ahead of the 24th November polls.
Speaking at the meeting, Jerreh Jatta, chairman of the APRC taskforce committee, said the aim of the task force committee is to increase the winning percentage of the APRC party, come 24th November.
Jatta told the meeting witnessed by village elders, green youths, women’s group as well as the village head that the idea of creating the taskforce committee was conceived by party militants and the National Mobilzer, as part of the strategies in re-electing President Jammeh in the forthcoming elections.
“We organize activities through civic education, and sensitize people about the forthcoming elections and the importance of voter registration, because this is all about politics, this is all about what the taskforce can do for President Jammeh,” Jatta added.
The Alkalo of Brufut, Malamin Kajoro Manneh, renewed his village’s support for President Jammeh and the APRC party in the coming elections.
“We cannot pay President Jammeh. The only way we can do that is to vote massively for the APRC. Victory is a foregone conclusion as far as Brufut is concerned. Our village from 1994 to date has witnessed tremendous development under the leadership of President Jammeh,” he stated.
Ebrima Sambou, task force committee member, and Bolong Jatta, councilor of Busumbala ward, all predicted victory for APRC, and urged the party militants as well as youth and women to massively vote for the APRC.
Sam Dubois, former UDP strongman and now adviser to the taskforce committee, sensitized the villagers on how to vote during elections.
He assures the APRC through the taskforce that Brufut will massively vote for Jammeh come 24th November 2011, noting that the ballot box will speak for itself.
Bakary Bojang, Green Youths leader, Yankuba Sano, APRC Youth Mobilizer for Brufut, and Malamin Jobo, all spoke at the meeting, pronouncing their unflinching loyality to the APRC party.
Meanwhile, the committee also held a separate meeting in Sukuta in the Kombo North district of West Coast Region.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Peace is critical to development, says President Jammeh as African Militaries gather in Banjul

Veep Posed with Military officers  across Africa
President Yayha Jammeh has opined that peace is a critical component to any meaningful socio-economic development, stressing that without peace, none of these can be attained.
The Gambian leader was speaking yesterday in a statement delivered on his behalf by the Vice President and Minister for Women Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, at the opening ceremony for the 10-day African Endeavour Test Exercise 2011 held at the July 22nd Square in Banjul.
An American government initiative in partnership with the African Union, African Endeavour is aimed at developing command, control and communication tactics, techniques and procedures.
The exercise is, among others, meant to give the participating nations the opportunity to test their military communication equipment with a view to harmonizing their interoperability for future support of the Africa Standby Force Operations.
Organized by the United States African Command widely known as ‘AFRICOM’, and the African Endeavour (AE), the exercise also seeks to develop command, control, communication tactics, techniques, and procedures that can be used by the African Union in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and peacekeeping missions.
Addressing military officers from more than 35 African countries, five international organizations and four European nations, President Jammeh said peace is critical to development; and without peace there is nothing, and that it is a precondition for development. “We have to notch it all,” he added.
According to President Jammeh, the African Endeavour programme is one of the numerous initiatives in which the United States is working in partnership with Africa through the African Union to support peace and security in the continent.
“Meeting the challenge of today’s threats means getting serious about prevention; the consequences of allowing latent threats to become manifest, or of allowing existing threats to spread are simply too severe and must be endorsed,” he said.
He underscored the significance of communication in all military operations, which he said cannot be overemphasized.
This reality, he went on, also makes the African Endeavor programme series very important in preparing the operational readiness of African armed forces as far as communication is concerned.
The Gambian leader further stated that the knowledge and experience gathered during the African Endeavour planning conferences and exercises will, undoubtedly, have guided participating nations in making the right plans in the field of communications.
He commended the US Government, US Department of Defence and the United States Africa Command for the laudable initiatives, efforts and funding of the entire African Endeavour programme.
Pamela Ann White, US ambassador to The Gambia, in her statement, told the gathering that the military in any country must ensure peace.
“Military is all about peace; we know that negotiation is better than confrontation; we know peace is better than war,” she said.
Ambassador White assured the Gambia Armed Forces of the US government’s commitment in helping the Gambian military, noting that The Gambia is a shining example of why the military exists, is democratic, stable and peaceful, a smiling face, and beautiful beaches, which are all beautiful things about The Gambia. 
Also speaking at the gathering was Lt. General Masanneh Kinteh, chief of defence staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, who underscored the significance of the exercise, which he said cannot be overemphasized as its benefits are multi-faceted and cross-cutting.
CDS Kinteh added that in addition to its main objective of attaining interoperability and information exchange among nations via communication networks, the exercise is bringing the personnel of different countries together to learn from and share with each other diverse experiences.
Brigadier General Roberts Ferrell, AFRICOM C4 Systems Director, described the exercise as the largest to date, adding that for the first time, the exercise will take place in three sites - here in The Gambia, ECOWAS in Abuja, Nigeria, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Brig. Gen. Ferrell noted that this year’s exercise will include a disaster relief scenario provided by the AU.
He said the inclusion of the AU and a regional headquarters within the context of that scenario will achieve an unprecedented level of communications in response to a realistic situation.
According to him, the role of the US Africa Command is to strengthen the partnerships between the US military and the militaries of African nations.

Karmic Angels raises more funds for Gambia at Africa Oye 2011

Karmic Angel's Dedicated Team at Africa Oye Festival in U.K.
Karmic Angels, an international charitable organization operating in The Gambia and the United Kingdom recently raised more funds in the UK through the Africa Oye 2011 Festival to complete its remaining projects in The Gambia.
The brains behind the charity are a British couple Stephanie and Alan Turner.
The couple and their dedicated team in the UK have raised over D50,000 to help in sponsoring needy Gambian students and the construction of nursery schools among other projects the couple have embarked on since their last trip to The Gambia earlier this year.
“As you know, last year was our first attendance at the Africa Oye two-day festival where we raised US$36000 for our work in The Gambia,” Stephanie Turner, founder of Karmic Angels said. “This year we smashed that raising to an incredible $58000 up by over 50%.”
Known for its humanitarian gesture, Karmic Angels aims at providing aid and relief to the people in The Gambia to contribute to the development of the country. The group has also contributed in various ways in sponsoring school children and orphans.
“We feel proud and honored to help our Gambian brothers here in the UK, and at Karmic Angels our ultimate aim is to help Gambians in their development aspirations,” Stephanie said.
Recalling how she came to know The Gambia, and why she and her husband are proud to help, Stephanie said: “When I was born 52 years ago I was dying and they called a catholic priest to give me the last rites - this is something given by a priest before you die, so you can peacefully enter the Gates of Heaven.  
“Before the Priest arrived a young Gambian nurse working in the hospital in Liverpool, England, held me and prayed over me, she gave me the name Stephanie out of the Bible; this young Gambian nurse was a Christian, and by the time the Priest came I was alive and well, and they called me the miracle baby.”
Stephanie continued her testimony: “I believe to this day that that wonderful Gambian nurse was sent by God to pray over me, and give me my name.  When I was growing up I never ever forgot that Gambian nurse, and have always prayed for her. And when I was 13, I started to read all about slave trade, and how unfair and cruel people could be to all my sisters and brothers in Africa, but especially The Gambia where my beautiful nurse came from.”
Stephanie humbly told our reporter about her service to the Gambian people “We are now working in education, health, and sport; building schools and putting all the orphans in the schools; we are building into fulltime education. 
“So [the act of] this friend is what motivated us to make a difference in The Gambia with the children and youth.  So we will never ever stop helping; we are realizing our dream and our vision, and we feel very blessed indeed by all the wonderful help we get here by our family, friends, volunteers, sponsors in the UK and our wonderful Strategy Development/Fundraising Co-coordinator John Lilburn.”

Defence case begins in Bun Sanneh and co trial

Ex Anti Narcotic Agency Chief Sanneh
Former Executive Director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) Ibrahima Bun Sanneh and four others are expected to open their defence today at the the high court in Banjul, where they are facing a 30-count charge including conspiracy, official corruption, abuse of office, among others.
This development followed the closure of the prosecution’s case last week, after hearing testimonies from 17 witnesses.
The former NDEA top brass, including Karamo Bojang, ex deputy NDEA Executive Director, Ousman Sanneh, ex NDEA Director of Operations, Seedy Bojang ex-NDEA accountant and Marie Sanneh, said to be a step-daughter of Bun Sanneh, are facing trial before Justice Emmanuel Amadi.
The prosecution witnesses included Jewru Keita, a police officer, Pateh Jallow, former deputy NDEA chief, Ebrima Jawara, NDEA officer, Ansumana Sanneh, NDEA officer, Ballo K. Jobe, a police officer, Ousman Jatta who served as first prosecution witness, Alieu Jarsey, also another narcotics officer, Momodou Sillah, a police officer at Police headquarters in Banjul, Alieu Samba, a civilian, Boto Kieta, also police officer, Manjang Janko, Amie Njie, narcotics officer, Dodou Jatta, a Red Cross volunteer, and Kelepha Jatta, an elder from Lamin village, among others.
Indicted since last year, Bun Sanneh and co were accused of conspiracy to commit felony, stealing by person in public service, aiding and abetting, unlawful possession of fire arm, unlawful possession of live ammunitions, concealment and destroying of evidence, official corruption, to abuse of office and committing economic crimes, obtaining money by false pretence, making document without authority, and forgery.

Monday 11 July 2011

The opposition warns against political campaigning, as Jammeh begins meet-the-people tour

News- Banjul, The Gambia Point Newspaper

President Yayha Jammeh
In line with his constitutional mandate, President Yahya Jammeh is expected to embark on a nationwide meet-the-people tour starting today, Monday, with critics saying this should not be used as an occasion for political propaganda ahead of scheduled presidential, parliamentary and local government polls in the country.
The tour, which comes once or twice annually, is among others, expected to avail the President the opportunity to meet with the people, know their concerns and work towards addressing them. It will also give the president the opportunity to assess development projects on the ground.
According to the tour itinerary, President Jammeh will be holding meetings in Njaba Kunda, Farafenni, Ngayen Sanjal and Kaur, all in the North Bank Region, Jangjangbureh in the Central River Region, Bakadaji, Gambisara, Baja Kunda, and Sutukonding all in the Upper River Region, among others.
Jammeh, who will be seeking a fourth term in office this year, has vowed not to embark on any political campaign for the scheduled 24th November presidential polls. 
He said last month that the forthcoming elections will be the “final forty days charity” for opposition in this country.
“Gambians are very grateful people, and they are development-oriented. We are going to teach the opposition a lesson – for all the oppositions in Africa that oppose progressive development-oriented governments.
“This will be the final forty days charity for opposition in this country. I have been swearing and, of course, there will be areas that do not want development – they can vote for the opposition – that’s their problem.
“This time around, it is very clear that if you vote against development; don’t expect development,” Jammeh said.
Ahead of the tour, leading political figures from the ruling and opposition parties in the country spoke to The Point yesterday.
“The tour ordinarily is one that is enjoined by the constitution that the President should meet the people, at least once or twice every year. It is a constitutional requirement, but we all know that the president does not go on this tour in order to fulfill the constitutional requirement that he is supposed to fulfill, but instead, he will use it as a political campaign,” Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, party leader and secretary general of the opposition United Democratic Party, said.
Darboe, who will be running for the fourth time as a presidential candidate, come 24th November, added: “He said the last time that he is not going to campaign for the presidential elections, but he was just misleading the people. He is using this tour to launch his campaign for the November presidential elections.
“I can say that when you listen to his speeches during this tour, it will all be APRC this, APRC that. It is a misuse of resources for him to go on this tour, which will, no doubt, be used for political propaganda.
“I have seen at least 50 vehicles around Denton Bridge all set for this tour, but you can imagine the huge resources that will be spent on fuel, night allowances, among others.
“To me, this is a political campaign and nothing else,” declared the opposition leader.
Hamat Bah, leader of the opposition National Reconciliation Party, NRP, also said it is a constitutional requirement for the president to go on this tour.
“In fact, the constitution states that he should tour the country twice at least every year if possible and, of course, the state has to sponsor the tour because it is a requirement, and there is a budgetary allocation for it.
“Unfortunately, he does not tour the country twice, probably he should explain why, but I believe that this is an important thing. Let him go and meet the people, let them express themselves or say what they want, and what they believe should be done.
“I only hope that he will not start the tour and it becomes a political campaign, which replaces his normal campaign for the November polls.
“This should not be a political campaign of the APRC. The president should go on this tour to listen to the people, their concerns and address them; inspect development projects, see where things have gone wrong, where they need to be corrected,” Bah added.
According to Bah, who will also be running as a presidential candidate for the third time, it would be wonderful if that is done.
“So it is good that he is going on a tour to see for himself what is happening,” he said.
However, in the opinion of Lamin Waa Juwara, leader of the  NDAM, one-time APRC critic and now Governor of the Lower River Region, there is nothing bad in that.
Juwara said it is a constitutional requirement that the President should meet with the people at least once every year, dialogue with them, listen to them, know their concerns and address them. “I don’t think there is anything bad in that. It’s all about democracy; these are the tenets of democracy.
“This meet-the-people tour will also avail the President the opportunity to assess development projects on the ground.
“The people here in the Lower River Region are all happy, and eager to see the arrival of the President. This is a very good opportunity which comes once every year.
“So for people to say that this is a waste of resources; they are talking rubbish, because you cannot separate development from politics,” he added.

Friday 8 July 2011

Prosecution closes case in Bun and Co Trial

Former Head of Anti Narcotic Agency Bun Sanneh
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
State prosecutors yesterday announced they have closed their case in the criminal trial involving former Executive Director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA), Ibrahima Bun Sanneh, and four others at the high court in Banjul.
The other accused persons, Karamo Bojang, ex deputy NDEA Executive Director, Ousman Sanneh, ex NDEA Director of Operations, Marie Sanneh, said to be a step daughter of Bun Sanneh and Seedy Bojang ex-NDEA accountant are facing trial before Justice Emmanuel Amadi.
They were indicted under a 30-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, stealing by person in public service, aiding and abetting, unlawful possession of fire arm, unlawful possession of live ammunitions, concealment and destroying of evidence, official corruption, to abuse of office and committing economic crimes, obtaining money by false pretence, to making document without authority and forgery.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the state counsel, Buwala, handling the case informed the court that the prosecution had rested their case, after calling 17 prosecution witnesses.
Justice Emmanuel Amadi then set 12 July 2011, for the defence to open their case.
The witnesses called by the prosecution included Jewru Keita, Police Officer, Pateh Jallow, former deputy NDEA Chief, Ebrima Jawara, NDEA officer, Ansumana Sanneh, NDEA Officer, Ballo K. Jobe, Police Officer, Ousman Jatta who served as first prosecution witness, Alieu Jarsey, also another Narcotics Officer, Momodou Sillah, police Officer attaché at Police Headquarters, Alieu Samba, civilian, Boto Kieta, also police officer, Manjang Janko, Amie Njie, also Narcotics Officer testified in the case, Dodou Jatta, a Red Cross Volunteer, Kelepha Jatta, an elder from Lamin village, among others.

More testimonies in NDEA officers’ murder case

The alleged murder case involving two officers of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) continued Wednesday at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul before Justice Ikpala.
Eku Grant and Ebou Lowe were charged with murder, after they allegedly beat one Cherno Alieu Suwareh, alias Che Boy, leading to his death, during a search of his house for cannabis.
Pa Modou Njie, a driver with the NDEA, testified as the third prosecution witness and told the court that they went on a raid at Bakau Sanchaba, on 25th March 2011, together with the two accused persons.
 He said, on arrival at the deceased person’s compound, three of their officers went into the compound, including the 1st and 2nd accused person, while three others were standing outside of the compound, including himself.
 He said when the officers were conducting a search in the house, he heard a quarrel and later saw the two accused persons coming out, and the 2nd accused was telling the 1st accused to stop the beating.
He further told him that the authorities at the NDEA have warned officers to stop beating suspects, adding that the deceased was then arrested and handcuffed.
He also said he saw blood on the forehead of the deceased person, when the deceased was asked to climb the vehicle, but could not climb, adding that the 1st accused threw him in the vehicle, and they left for the NDEA office in Banjul, and he later went home.
“After a few days, I was told that the deceased person was ill, and taken to RVTH,” he continued, adding that after some days, he was again told the deceased person had passed away at the RVTH.
The case continues.

Home Finance GM spills the beans in Graham trial

Ex-SSHFC Chief Edward Graham
Omar Sarr, General Manager of Home Finance Company Gambia Limited, a subsidiary of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), yesterday made startling revelations in the trial of Edward Graham, former Managing Director of the SSHFC, who is charged with economic crime at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul.
Graham who is alleged to have, between January and December 2010 in Banjul, been employed in the public service as Managing Director of the SSHFC, willfully caused the loss of D73,000 to Home Finance Company Gambia Limited.
Sarr, who testified as the first prosecution witness, gave details covering his occupation, the appointment of Ancha Jammeh as the Finance Manager, among other things.
He told the court that he lives at Brusubi and that Home Finance Company is a subsidiary of the SSHFC that owned 90% shares of the company, adding that he knew Ancha Jammeh, Finance Manager of the Home Finance Company.
He recalled that during one of their meetings, prior to the appointment of Ancha Jammeh, that he was told by the chairman of the Board of Directors of Home Finance Company that the contract of Paul Bahoum, Finance Manager, will expire and that the company needed a replacement.
“The Chairman then asked the accused person to assign someone or any other qualified person from the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation, who would replace Paul at the end of his contract, and the accused person responded in the positive.
“After sometime, the accused called informing me that a person by the name Ancha Jammeh brought her application for the said post,” Sarr told the court.
He stated that after going through Jammeh’s application, he noticed that the applicant studied economics and that she also lacked experience in finance and accounting.
He said after noticing that, he went back to the current holder of the position to seek advice, and Paul said the lady was not the right person for the job.
Still testifying, Sarr said he later contacted Graham after seeking advice from Paul, but Graham insisted that they go ahead and call the applicant for an interview, noting that under normal circumstances you can go for a qualified person or advertise the post.
Sarr further testified that Graham was interested in having Ancha Jammeh to handle that post, adding that the applicant was then called for an interview and, after a couple of days, Graham called, asking whether a letter of appointment was sent to Ms Jammeh.
“At that time, I told Graham that the appointment letter was not sent, but he (Graham) insisted that I must write the letter. I drafted the letter and sent it to the accused person, who said the letter was OK. I sent the appointment letter to the applicant and, upon receiving it, she also wrote an acceptance letter of her appointment,” he testified.
He said the applicant then started work, but was informed by her that she was not conversant with accounting software, because she has no experience in the work she was doing.
He added that the accused then suggested that the company should hire Paul again to train Ancha for two months, an offer Paul accepted.
Sarr, however, told the court that after Paul’s discussion with Ancha to know how conversant she was with accounting, Paul then wrote back to the company declining the offer, because the lady has no background in accounting.
He further told the court that he also spoke with Graham with regard to Paul’s letter, but he asked them to get someone else to train Ancha.
“We then contracted Com Tech, a company that provides IT service to Home Finance Company,” he added.
According to Sarr, Com Tech came up with a proposal for the training and the change of the software was to the tune of D73,000.
“The company took the offer and the training was conducted for Ancha and her deputy,” he stated.
The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, S.H. Barkun, through the witness tendered in court multiple documents, including the appointment letter of Ancha, the decline of offer letter of Paul Bahoum, among others, as prosecution exhibits, which were marked without any objection from defence counsel L.S. Camara.
The case was at that juncture adjourned till 18th July 2011, for cross-examination.

Unemployment Has Risen Sharply – UNICEF Report

By Sainey M.K. Marenah
The newly Launched and released UNICEF Flagship Report on the State of World Children’s Report 2011 has discloses that in just three years, confidence in the world economy has plummeted stated further that unemployment  risen sharply and real household incomes have fallen or stagnated .
“The world is home to 1.2 million individuals aged 10-19 years. These adolescents have lived most of their lives under millennium declaration, the unprecedented global compact that since 2000 has sought a better world for all.” The 2011 UNICEF report highlighted.
The report say many their number have benefited from the gains in child survival, education, access to safe water, and other areas of development that stands as concrete successes of the drive to meet Millennium development Goals, the Human development targets at the core of the declaration.
But now they have arrived at a pivotal moments in their lives- just as the world is facing a critical moment In this new millennium, the report further noted.
“This economic turmoil and uncertainty have raised the spectre of fiscal austerity; particularly in some industrialize economies, resulting in more stringent approach to social spending and overseas development. In developing countries, too, public finances has tightened, and social spending, including investments in Child- related area, has come under greater scrutiny.” The reports noted.
The further noted: “in this contrast, adolescent, and the conventional wisdom might dictate that most resources be devoted to children and young people in the first decade of their lives. After all, that is when they are most vulnerable to death, disease and under- nutrition; when the effects of unsafe water and poor sanitation pose the greatest threat to their lives; and when the absence of education, protection and care can have the most pernicious lifetime application.”
In contrast, the state of world Children report 2011 noted that adolescents are generally stronger and healthier than younger children; most have already benefited from basic education; and many are among the hardest and, potentially, most costly to reach with essential services and protection. It hardly seems judicious, in these fiscally straitened times, to focus greater attention on them.
The report revealed that: “investing in adolescents can accelerate the fight against poverty, inequity and gender discrimination. Adolescence is the pivotal decade when poverty and inequity often pass to the next generation as poor adolescents girls give birth to impoverished children. This is particularly true among adolescents with low levels of education. Almost half the world’s adolescents of the appropriate age do not attend secondary school. And when they do attend, many of them- particularly those from the poorest and marginalized household and communities – fail to complete their studies or else with insufficient skills, especially in those high level competencies required by the modern globalized economy.”
However the report noted that: “large cohort of unemployed youth which in 2009 stood at around 81 million worldwide. For those who are employed, decent work is scare: in 2010, young people aged 15- 24 formed around one quarter world working poor.”

Thursday 7 July 2011

Venezuela celebrates 200 years of independence

Foreign Affairs Minister read as Ambassador Perez looks
The embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Banjul on Tuesday celebrated the country’s 200 years of independence, freedom and liberty from the Spanish crown, which colonized the North American state.
The celebration, held at the prestigious five-star Coco Ocean Hotel in Bijilo, brought together senior government officials, cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, private sector, as well as the media and civil society representatives.
The Venezuelan declaration of independence, according to officials of the embassy, is a statement adopted by a congress of Venezuelan provinces on 5th July 1811, through which Venezuelans took the decisions of breaking away from the Spanish crown; establish a new nation based on the premises of the equality of individuals, the abolition of censorship and a dedication to freedom of expression.
Speaking on the occasion, Lourdes Perez, Venezuelan ambassador to the Gambia, said the people of Venezuela are on this day moved by the desire to remain free and sovereign.
“This was a celebration that in the past was considered to be held only in academic circles, but now the revolutionary government of Hugo Rafael Chavez has made the celebration no longer a celebration, but a popular celebration. “It is no longer a celebration, but it is a celebration of the entire people,” she said.
Ambassador Perez added that their independence is no longer a word with connotations of hope, but it is a reality sprouting in their spirits.
According to her, the independence of Venezuela was the byproduct of both a complicated network of local politicians and revolutionary forces encompassing at least three continents.
“It was not until revolutions broke out in North America and Europe that the political environment in Venezuela allowed for the deceleration of independence,” she noted.
Dr Momodou Tangara, minister of Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Gambians Abroad, in a statement, reaffirmed the Gambia government’s commitment to deepening the already existing brotherly ties between the Gambia and Venezuela.
He told the gathering that the 200 years of independence marks another milestone in the accomplishments of Venezuela in their commitment to freedom, peace, prosperity and advancement of the brotherly people of Venezuela.
According to Foreign Affairs minister Tangara, the Gambia can tap into and greatly benefit from the immense experience and best practices amassed by Venezuelans over the past 200 years to aid in achievement of the objectives of the Vision 2020 and other development aspirations.
“What Venezuela has achieved over the decades serves as a model for developing countries such as The Gambia to emulate without reinventing the wheel for the benefit of all Gambians and humanity in general,” Tangara added.
He stated that since the establishment of bilateral relations between the Gambia and Venezuela, the two countries have made great achievements in deepening the brotherly ties, which the two heads of states have committed themselves to.
“Therefore, given our continued commitment to enhance bilateral relations, I am glad to note that our two governments have enjoyed harmonious and cordial relations based on shared common values, our commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security,” he added.
Tangara reiterated government’s commitment to uphold its fraternal ties of friendship and cooperation with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, while wishing President Hugo Chavez a speedy recovery and best wishes for his continued good health.

Wednesday 6 July 2011

World Population Day: Agriculture Offers Huge Opportunities for a Planet of 7 Billion

Worldwatch's Nourishing the Planet team highlights sustainable ways to feed a growing population while also providing economic opportunities and enhancing the environment
Press Release 
Washington, D.C.- As the global population increases, so does the number of mouths to feed. As we observe World Population Day on July 11th, the good news is that in addition to providing food, innovations in sustainable agriculture can provide a solution to many of the challenges that a growing population presents. 

"Agriculture is emerging as a solution to mitigating climate change, reducing public health problems and costs, making cities more livable, and creating jobs in a stagnant global economy," said Danielle Nierenberg, Director of Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet project, a two-year evaluation of environmentally sustainable agricultural innovations to alleviate hunger.

This year, the world's population will hit 7 billion, according to the United Nations. Reaching this unprecedented level of population density has prompted the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) to launch a "7 Billion Actions" campaign to promote individuals and organizations that are using successful new techniques for tackling global development challenges. By sharing these innovations in an open forum, the campaign aims to foster communication and collaboration as our world becomes more populated and increasingly interdependent. 

Not even demographers can actually forecast how many people will be added to world population over the coming century, noted Robert Engelman, a population expert and Worldwatch Executive Director. As more women and their partners gain access to reproductive health services and manage their own childbearing, average family size has fallen significantly in recent decades and could continue to do so, assuming expanded support for reproductive health and improvements in women's autonomy and status. The likelihood of continued population growth for some time, however, remains high. And that will add to the need to harness the ingenuity of human beings to sustain both people and the planet. 

"We'll have to learn how to moderate our consumption of materials and energy and to jumpstart new technologies that conserve them," Engelman said. Innovations in farming will be among the most important: with planning, agriculture can operate not only as a less-consumptive industry, but also one that works in harmony with the environment.

Researchers with Nourishing the Planet (www.NourishingthePlanet.org) traveled to 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa to meet with more than 350 farmers groups, NGOs, government agencies, and scientists, highlighting small-scale agricultural efforts that are helping to improve peoples' livelihoods by providing them with food and income. The findings are documented in the recently released report, State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet

Nourishing the Planet's research in Africa has unveiled innovative and cost-effective approaches to agriculture where farmers are treating land as a resource rather than solely as a means for food production. Many of these solutions are scalable and can be adapted to farming systems around the world. "The global connections go beyond Africa. Everyone is in this together in more ways than one," said Nierenberg.

Nourishing the Planet recommends four ways that agriculture is helping to address the challenges that a growing global population will bring. 

·       Urban agriculture for nutritious food and a cooler climate. The U.N. predicts that 65 percent of the global population will live in cities by 2050. Urban agriculture provides an increasing number of city residents with fruits and vegetables, leading to improved nutrition and food security. Urban farms are already gaining popularity around the world, from the Victory Programs' ReVision Urban Farm in Boston, to Lufa Farms in Montreal, to the slums of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya
  
·       Farming for employment and education. Opportunities in agriculture can reduce poverty and empower a growing population. In Los Angeles county, the organization Farmscape Gardens has helped tackle a 16 percent unemployment rate by hiring workers to establish and maintain edible gardens. To teach the local community about food and agriculture, L.A.'s Fremont High School established a school garden of 1.5 acres that is open to students and the greater community. And in Uganda, project DISC (Developing Innovations in School Cultivation) partnered with Slow Food International to develop 17 school gardens that are used to educate students about growing, harvesting, and preparing nutritious local foods. 

·        Agroecology for a healthier environment. Agroecology, which offers numerous benefits to the environment while also feeding people, includes organic agriculture, agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and evergreen agriculture. In Niger, farmers promote the re-greening of dried farmland by allowing spontaneous regeneration of woody species. The restored growth has provided farmers with wind breaks, decreased evaporation, sequestered carbon, and provided non-timber forest products. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency has partnered with representatives from metropolitan Washington, D.C. to create the Chesapeake Bay Program watershed partnership. Through collaboration, the group has developed policies, laws, incentives and best practices for farmers whose production zone lies within the local watershed. These agroecological practices, including cover crops, planting riparian forest butters, and practicing conservation tillage, have helped preserve the Bay.