Monday 29 August 2011

Development is about people, not objects Former DFID Rep

By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger

Nahla: " Development is about Development not objects"
The former Country Representative of the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DfID) has disclosed that development is about people and not about objects.
“Development must be people-centred,” Nahla Diab Ghanem-Tambedou, now a consultant, said recently while presenting a paper on Understanding Development at a human rights training organised by TANGO for civil societies, development workers and journalists.
She also said development that is material and economic growth occurs outside people. “In reality individuals have little control over it,” she added, saying that the third perspective of development is the one viewed as freeing people from obstacles that affect their ability to develop their own lives and communities.
“Development, therefore, is empowerment: it is about local people taking control of their own lives, expressing their own demands and finding their own solutions to their problems,” Mrs Ghanem-Tambedou said.
She noted that development is a process of change that occurs inside people, saying development can also be ‘to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community.
Expatiating on what development is, Mrs Tambedou said empowerment - the engine or driver of development - lies inside ordinary people.  This includes group self-motivation, which is exhibited “in the process of people working together to satisfy their own collective and self-defined needs”.
She added: “ Though the concept of development spilled off from the ‘international development’ focus, which is essentially a product of the post-World War II era, the Cold War had ended, capitalism had become the dominant mode of social organization, and UN statistics showed that living standards around the world had improved over the past 40 years.”
Nevertheless, she said that a large portion of the world’s population was still living in poverty, their governments were crippled by debt and concerns about the environmental impact of globalization were rising.
This is the situation in most of Africa, to which The Gambia “falls under such a category of underdeveloped” nations, she noted, while saying development could be in the form of foreign aid, governance, healthcare, education, poverty reduction, gender equality, disaster preparedness, infrastructure, economics, human rights, environment, and other issues associated with these.
She said that rights-based approach to development is a strategy used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to reduce local communities’ dependency on aid by improving government capacity. 
“There are two stakeholder groups in rights-based development, the rights holders, or the group who does not experience full rights, and the duty-bearers or the institutions who are obligated to fulfill the rights of the rights holders.”
Madam Tambedou however told her keenly listening audience that rights-based approach aims at strengthening the capacity of duty-bearers and empowers the rights holder, saying: “A rights perspective means incorporating the empowerment of poor people into our approach to tackling poverty
“It means ensuring that poor people’s voices are heard when decisions which affect their lives are made. It means recognizing that equality matters. Addressing discrimination in legislation, policies and society contributes to an environment in which excluded people have more control over their lives.
“A rights approach also means making sure that citizens can hold governments to account for their human rights obligations.”
Dilating on how right-based approach works, she said: “Participation - enabling people to realize their rights to participate in, and access information relating to the decision-making processes, which affect their lives
“Inclusion - building socially inclusive societies - is based on the values of equality and non-discrimination, through development which promotes all human rights for all people.
“Fulfilling - strengthening institutions and policies which ensure that obligations to protect and promote the realization of all human rights are fulfilled by states and other duty bearers.”
Mrs Tambedou reminded development workers that non-government organizations’ role is to help the poor overcome obstacles blocking their rights and to give governments tools and training to provide these rights.
Also speaking on human rights and development, Madam Tambedou said basic human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. “We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination,” she said, adding: “These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.
“Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the form of treaties, customary international law; general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights law lays down obligations of governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.”

Friday 26 August 2011

‘Governance key to survival of every Govt.’

Halifa Sallah, Secretary General of the opposition Peoples Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has opined that governance is key to the survival of every government in the 21st century.
Sallah, who is also the chairman of the inter-party committee under the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, was speaking yesterday at the Paradise Suites Hotel during a day-long sensitization forum for political parties organized by the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia and the Inter-party Committee.
The forum, held under the theme: “Temporary special measures to ensure women’s political participation,” brought together political party leaders, journalists as well as other members of civil society.
In Sallah’s view, “we no longer live in traditional societies, but in modern societies and in a modern state, a state which is sovereign and we have emerged to build a sovereign republic.
“So, we must also prepare the sovereign people for that sovereign republic, and that can only come through transmitting new values which will require new instruments and new institutions which will not drop from the sky,” he said.
According to Sallah, who was presidential candidate for the opposition coalition called NADD (National Alliance for Democracy and Development), “there were traditional norms and traditional institutions shaping traditional values in our country so that society will be organized in a given way, but today many people do indicate that these civil societies, NGOs and workshops are mere tools by western countries to transfer western values to non western societies.
“We need political socialisation to evolve a sovereign people. It is clear that our people as sovereign people are the primary makers of the law; that is why we voted to put into force a constitution; without saying ‘we want a constitution’ it will not be. So we the people are the law makers,” Halifa said, adding that it is the responsibility of all to make sure that what is agreed upon is commonly implemented.
“If we are all equal before the law, who will rule, and this is why representation comes,” he said, noting that those who are selected will rule and that requires men and women to participate in that process.
In conclusion, Halifa underscored the importance of engaging women in the administrative life of this country.

Political parties vow to elect women

 By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
UDP Leader Ousainou Darboe

President Jammeh
Described by many political analysts as a move in the right direction, political parties vying for the 2011 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections  have vowed to elect women to top political positions so as to ensure equal political representation at decision-making levels.
Halifa Sallah NADD Secretary General
Remarks were made by all representatives of Gambian political parties, including the ruling APRC, UDP, NRP and PDOIS during presentations at a day-long sensitization forum for political parties organized by the Female Lawyers Association of the Gambia (FLAG) and the Inter-party Committee.
The forum, on the theme: “Temporary special measures to ensure women’s political participation”, brought together political party leaders, as well as a cross section of civil society organizations.
Presenting for the ruling APRC party, Samba Gagigo – First Administrative Secretary of the party, underscored the role of women in the socio-economic development of the country, noting that the ruling APRC recognizes that no national development programme would be successful without the effective participation and full support of the country’s women.
Henry Gomez Party Leader GPDP
Women, he said, are indispensable partners in Gambia’s development process. According to him, the APRC shall pursue its deliberate policy of empowering women by appointing qualified and capable women in positions of authority and decision making.
“The APRC after coming to power appointed the first female Vice President, female ministers; the first accountant general was a female, secretary general and head of civil service and many other permanent secretaries were appointed,” he said, adding that this clearly demonstrated that the APRC has put women in top positions of decision-making.
He stated that the party would continue to encourage women’s political participation to the highest level, and that special opportunities would be accorded to women in decision making positions
Presenting for the United Democratic Party, Dr. Borro Susso, chairman of the Policy Committee of the UDP, noted that since its inception, his party categorically expressed its belief in the equality of sexes in matters of rights and privileges of citizens.
“This was consigned in the constitution of the party as one of the beacons of our policy. The development of the party from formation up to the present time has been made with the full participation of our members. The UDP women’s policy contained in its policy document of which the party manifesto for the forthcoming elections form part of, addressees women’s rights in all sectors with due recognition of their potential role in the socio-economic development of the country,” Dr Susso stated.
Presenting further, Dr Susso explained that the UDP intends to diagnose discrimination against women in various sectors of the economy, and address the problems they are confronted with. He added that the UDP party has adopted a document as its policy with regard to women.
According to him, the UDP shall address the empowerment of women in the education sector. He said empowerment of women requires their transformation from cheering leaders to decision makers.
“The UDP shall ensure the increasing participation of women in the decision- making process at district, regional and national levels. Participation must be from the decision-making level right down to implementation. Access to political decision-making must be secured at both local and national levels,” he added.
Also presenting was Samba Baldeh, Administrative Secretary of the opposition National Reconciliation Party (NRP), who told the gathering that, as a political party, the NRP has adequately provided special measures to ensure women’s participation in politics and decision-making bodies.
This, he said, is clearly spelt out in the party’s manifesto, which they are working tirelessly towards achieving.
According to Baldeh, it is very clear to all that the role of Gambian women is wide- ranging, and very important to the socio-economic and political development of this country.
However, he noted that the NRP is of the view that there is still considerable room for improvement with regard to women’s empowerment in the country.
“There cannot be any meaningful development without the full participation of women in all aspects of development life,” the NRP administrative secretary opined.
He stated that as part of his party’s future policy, the NRP will seek to make it possible for Gambian women to obtain the highest possible education with training in their profession commensurate with their abilities.
Baldeh further stated that it is his party’s belief that behind every successful man, there is a strong woman. He noted that to comply with the legal obligation, NRP shall endeavor to put up as much candidates as possible in all coming elections.
Renown gender activist, Amie Sillah, who presented for the Peoples Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) said her party is of the view that a strategic vision is needed to guide the formulation of policies and programmes that are designed to enhance greater parity in representative institutions.
According to Amie Sillah, PDIOS’s aims is to establish a democracy which would finally lead the people to exercise full control over the affairs of their society; a democracy based on a non-parasitic and responsive system of representation.
She stated that PDOIS sees the need to transform the party into a school for nurturing the sovereign woman, who is matured and conscious of her rights.
In her view, PDOIS stands for gender parity in appointing the members of all oversight institutions such as the IEC, the office of Ombudsman and National Council for Civic Education. She concluded that the party also stands for gender parity in filling the posts of president and vice president, among others.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

‘Poverty level remains high in The Gambia’

By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger

It is forty six years after independence and there is ample evidence that The Gambia is still grappling with key development challenges, despite the numerous gains that are being registered. The ‘poverty level remains high amidst other disturbing indicators in the areas of maternal and infant mortality, HIV/AIDS prevalence and in hygiene and sanitation’, Yankuba Dibba, board chairperson of TANGO has said.
Dibba, who was speaking yesterday at the launching of the TANGO Policy Dialogue held at the TANGO office in Kanifing, opined that the provision of quality, affordable and accessible social services such as education, health care and utilities add to these challenges.
He underscored his office’s appreciation of the efforts of the government and its development partners in the drive towards achieving national development objectives.
The TANGO policy dialogue provides a unique opportunity for policy and decision makers, researchers, and students, development workers, journalists and the general populace in accessing relevant and up-to-date information on key development issues about The Gambia and world.
Held under the theme: “Rethinking National Development – from Outputs to Outcomes”, the launching of the policy dialogue also coincided with a forum discussion among stakeholders.
The discussions, among others, focused on an analytical overview of the Gambia’s development process and roadmap from independence to date in order to highlight the successes registered and the challenges encountered, so as to chat a way forward.
This, officials said, will raise the question as to how well the economy has created the necessary enabling environment to reflect the fact that the private sector is considered the main engine of growth, and responsible for the generation of national wealth and employment.
According to Dibba, the policy dialogue has been deliberately conceived to add value to these efforts, by focusing on knowledge creation and dissemination as a catalyst in the country’s drive towards national development.
Also speaking at the launching was Ousman Yarbo, Executive Director of TANGO, who said the policy dialogues are quarterly interactive discussions aimed at bringing together experts from policy institutions, development organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Yabo urged for both individual and collective participation, which he added is key to the policy dialogues.
Benjamin A Roberts, Director of Business and Export Development at the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency, who was the keynote speaker during the dialogue, made a presentation on the “Overview of national development- challenges, prospects and lessons”.
In his presentation, Benjamin among others gave a comprehensive economic development plan of 1975- 1986 down to Vision 2020: 1996- 2020, giving challenges, prospects and lessons from Vision 2020 and the post independence economy of The Gambia.
Mod A. Secka, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, who also presented on “Beyond PRSP: What lessons to learn for prospect and challenges in the attainment of PAGE”, said government has recognized the important roles NGOs play and will continue to create the enabling environment for them to grow and flourish.
This, he said, is recognized in the country’s Vision 2020 and the medium-term plans such as the PRSP II and the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE).
Bai Matarr Drammeh, President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also presented a paper on the topic “The private sector and national development - are they compatible?” whilst Momodou B. Sarr, Executive Director of the National Environment Agency presented on the topic “Climate change: what policy, institutional and technical requirements are necessary for adoptability as a way forward for The Gambia.”
According to the GCCI President, the private sector is concerned with multiple sets of actions and commitments conducive to investment, especially in the production sectors as the basis of social and economic development, supported by inclusive government policies for economic growth through development of productive trade capacities. With this, he opined, employment opportunities will be available.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Hamat Bah calls for amendment of election act

Hamat Bah NRP Leader
Leader of the opposition National Reconciliation Party (NRP), Hamat NK Bah, has expressed the need for the amendment of the Election Act ahead of the 24th November presidential polls, saying that the Act is in conflict with the Constitution of the country.
Bah, who spoke to this reporter in an interview yesterday, opined that the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia is the supreme law of the land and any other law found to be inconsistent with any of its provisions should be null and void.
Commenting on the ongoing sittings of the revising courts to look into complaints and objections put forward by political parties, Bah said chapter 3 section 12(1c) clearly spelt out when somebody obtains citizenship by false fraudulent means what should be done, and it is the high court that has that is mandate.
“But the Election Acts tell us that revising courts are set up throughout all divisional headquarters and the Chief Justice appoints Magistrates to hear cases.
According to him, it is therefore clear that there is need to amend the Election Act immediately to put it in line with the constitutional provision, because the two are totally in conflict.
The NRP leader called on the Independent Electoral Commission to confront the Ministry of Justice for the Election Act to be amended.
“This is unfair; the law is a very bad law and something must be done urgently for this Election Act to be amended, because the constitution is the supreme law and above all other laws,” he stated.
Bah also stated that this situation, coupled with the lack of intellectual debate and discourse in the country, is setting the country backward.
“Any law that in conflict with the law is void and inconsistent,” he added.
He also revealed that his party withdrew some of its objections at the revising court in Jangjangbureh due to what he said was the party’s witnesses reluctance to show up and give evidence.
He said his party also found it difficult to secure the services of a legal practitioner, which he added came at the last minute.
The NRP leader challenged private radio stations to allow the opposition air time in their respective radios ahead of the polls.
Regarding recent allegations by one Demba Sey, who told a rally in Kaur during the President’s meet-the-people tour that he mobilized Senegalese to register and vote for the NRP, Bah said that the man’s name is Hassan Mboge, and not “Demba Sey” as reported in the news media.

Monday 22 August 2011

Henry Gomez denounces politics of castigation

Gomez: " Let stop Politics of Castigation."
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger

Secretary General and party leader of the opposition Gambia Party Democracy and Progress (GPDP), Henry Gomez, has called on his fellow opposition members and Gambians in general to always avoid the politics of personal attack and castigation, ahead of forthcoming presidential election slated for 24th November 2011.
Gomez, who was speaking to our reporter at the weekend, said such behavior has“no room in 21st century politics”.
“People have graduated from these types of politics. This is the time of reconciliation, and for us to build a better and prosperous Gambia through change, which I believe we can,” Gomez stated.
While calling on what he called non-politicians to leave politics to the politicians, the GPDP leader noted that politics comes and goes.
According to him, many Gambians think that his party is small, but come 24th November, the election results will speak for itself.
“We have done our homework and we are strong on the ground,” he added.
He stated that the credibility of the forthcoming presidential election depends entirely on the Independent Electoral Commission, calling on the Commission to conduct the polls in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“Gambians trust the IEC; so the Commission must not betray that trust bestowed on them,” he said.
Also noting that the IEC needs help from all stakeholders in the electoral process, including the politicians by ensuring peace and tranquility, Gomez stated that his party would contest the November polls.
Commenting on the much talkedabout possibilities of forming an opposition alliance, the GPDP leader opined that all opposition parties are hoping for one goal, which he said is “change”.
However, he expressed the need for opposition leaders to go for primaries to enable Gambians choose their favorite candidate to contest against the ruling APRC.
He said with this, a term limit of five years will be implemented so that no person can stay at the helm of affairs for more than two terms.
Gomez also used the interview to refute recent allegations made against him by Shyngle Nyassi of the United Democratic Party, that he is on President Jammeh’s payroll, stating that being in the opposition does not mean that one would not commend government for doing good.
“Politics is not about harassment; politics is not about intimidation; politics is not about insulting; politics is not about fighting, and being an opposition does not mean that you have to criticize even the good deeds of government. There are things that you can clap for, and say ‘a job well done’ ” Gomez stated.
“I have nothing against President Jammeh. The only thing I have against him is his leadership,” he stated.
He said, among others, that his party’s programmes for 2011 will be to call for real democracy and change.
“All what we need is change, because we all know where the ruling APRC is heading to,” he said, adding that anyone who is prepared to vote for the APRC is voting for kingship, and not for a president.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Human Rights: ‘governments are primary duty bearers’

Governments all over the world are duty bearers when it comes to ensuring respect for human rights. Human rights are not gifts bestowed at the pleasure of governments nor should governments withhold them or apply them to some people, but not to others, Madi Jobarteh, program manager at TANGO has said.
He told participants that when governments do so, they should be held accountable.
TANGO is the Association of Non Governmental Organisation in The Gambia, and Jobarteh was presenting a paper to a cross section of duty bearers at the opening of a three-day Non State Actors Regional Training Workshop held at the TANGO office yesterday.
“Governments are the primary duty bearers for rights. Every individual has a responsibility to teach human rights, to respect human rights, and to challenge institutions and individuals that abuse human rights,” he stated.
Presenting his paper on the topic: “Understanding Human Rights”, Jobarteh told participants that every organ of society, including corporations, NGOs, foundations, and educational institutions also share a responsibility for the promotion and protection of rights.
However, human rights go with duties and responsibilities, and every human right has a corresponding duty, he added.
“Human rights are meaningful only if respected and protected,” he continued.
Jobarteh further stated that human rights are the birthright of every member of the human family. He noted that no one has to earn or deserve human rights, because human rights are not granted by any human authority such as a monarch, government, or secular or religious authority.
“They are not the same as civil rights”, he pointed out.
In his view, constitutional rights are granted to individuals by virtue of their citizenship or residence in a particular country, whereas human rights are inherent and held as attributes of the human personality.
“Human rights are both abstract and practical. They hold up the inspiring vision of a free, just, and peaceful world and set minimum standards for how both individuals and institutions should treat people.
“They also empower people to take action to demand and defend their rights and the rights of others; human rights values are rooted in the wisdom of literature, traditional values and religious teachings of almost every culture,” he noted further.
Jobarteh also stated that respect for human rights by individuals and governments lays the basis for peace and stability; a culture of rights in governance serves as the security and safety of all persons in society; a threat to human rights endangers all members of the society.”
Jobarteh is also of the firm belief that development cannot be sustainable without regard to respect for rights and freedoms.
Dilating on human rights concept and principles, he said human dignity affirms that all people deserve to be respected simply because they are human beings, noting that: “all individuals deserve equal respect regardless of age, sex, origin, status, religious or other orientation.”
He concluded by saying that the rights that individuals have cannot be taken away, surrendered, or transferred.
Meanwhile, addressing the participants, the Executive Director of TANGO, Ousman Yarbo, said the significance of the training workshop cannot be overemphasized as human rights are a global concern.
According to him, human rights basically are about the way people live, way people should be treated; interact; and the way things should be done.
Njundu Drammeh coordinator of the Child Protection Alliance also gave a presentation, while Kebba K. Barrow of TANGO delivered the welcome remarks.

Friday 12 August 2011

NRP will deliver surprises in November polls - Hamat Bah

Hamat Bah
Leader of the opposition National Reconciliation Party (NRP), Hamat Bah, has assured Gambians, especially his party militants that come the 24th November presidential election, his party will deliver surprises.
Hamat Bah was speaking in an interview with The Point yesterday, when he spoke on a wide range of issues, including his party’s preparations ahead of the polls, its agenda and priorities, the recent general voter registration exercise, among others.
According to Mr. Bah, his party is at the moment preoccupied with the general voter registration that was recently concluded.
He announced that by going through the records, the NRP is the only party that has filed complaints and objections at the revising court that has commenced its sittings.
Noting that all the objections were filed in Central River Region, the NRP leader said his party is waiting to see how the proceedings will be handled, before they give their final judgement on the whole process.
"NRP will see how the Judiciary will handle these issues at the revising courts. We hope and expect that justice will be delivered fairly in the best interest of the Gambian people," Bah who said he will be contesting the forthcoming polls as a presidential candidate added.
In his view, the country’s political climate could have been more vibrant than it is now, "but unfortunately the opposition does not have access to any of the private radio stations not to talk of the public radio or TV".
"After the Muslims’ holy month of Ramadan, the whole political landscape will change. It was the APRC that was on the ground throughout campaigning, but NRP will on be on the ground this time around," he said, adding that his party is optimistic that it will sweep the polls.
"Removing an incumbent is not a one day process. Look at all the governments in Africa that were changed through the ballot box. The opposition did not wake up one day and remove the incumbent. It took them time to draw new strategies. It is a process that you must continue; you have to go through the democratic process," he opined.
No opposition alliance On the issue of forming a formidable alliance ahead of the polls, the NRP leader repeated his earlier position that he is not hoping for a formidable alliance.
"I am not in for an alliance," he stressed.
He made it clear that he will never join any opposition alliance, unless he is joined by others, saying that there are lots of reasons why he is not going in for an alliance, which he would not share with the public. The NRP strongman further stated that the issues of youth unemployment and agricultural production are on top of his party’s priorities.
"It is rather unfortunate that in The Gambia, most of the investments are not privatized. This is not because people are not doing it. It is because they are not assisted or supported to invest their money the way they should invest it," Bah noted, decrying the fact that there are lots of investment in housing more than in industries.
"People spend millions in housing projects and, at the end of the day no one will occupy those houses. If those investments were on factories and others, then the issue of youth unemployment will be a thing of the past," Bah stated.
An NRP government, he went on, will address that by getting a broad committee of experts both from the private and government sectors, and every aspect of the society will be looked at in trying to formulate systems that will make possible for people to know where they can invest their monies.

Thursday 11 August 2011

Professional Tailor Eyes Int’l Market, Vows to Raise Standards

Malick Mendy: " I want set standard in Tailoring."
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger

Malick Mendy, one of the leading professional tailors in the country, has told The Point that he is eying the international market for his Gambian made fashion dress, saying he has already met the international standard set for professional tailors.
Mendy, proprietor of Malick Mendy Tailoring, is among the few Gambian professional tailors who have carved a niche for themselves by meeting international standard and professionalism.
Speaking to this reporter at his newly built tailoring academy located opposite Glory Baptist School along Bartil Harding Highway, Mendy, a tailor of more than 35-year experience in the field, said: “I am a born tailor, and the son of Ousainou Mendy, a well respected Gambian tailor who did tailoring for most part of his productive life; so I have inherited this trade from my dad, since I was a teenager. I started sewing since I was 12 years.”
Mendy is a specialist in sewing men’s suits; ladies’ suits; western style dress; interior decorations; coating; school barges; security uniforms and barges as well as promotional items.
The Gambian star tailor, who displays extraordinary skills and talent behind the sewing machine, said he is working towards the country’s development blueprint and Vision 2020.  “I love what I am doing,” he added.
He said the government has created an enabling environment for them and what is left is to make the best use of the opportunity.
Mendy, who is currently employing more than 40 Gambian youths, is also optimistic of expanding his business to cater for the growing demand of the unemployed youth, which is one of his targets.
He thanks the Trade ministry and United States Embassy in Banjul for coming to his aid during his difficult times, adding that before his move to his new office, most of his tailoring shops were scattered everywhere.  “But with the acquisition of a land through the help of the ministry I was able to bring all my shops under one roof,” he said.
Mendy said 85% of his workforce are Gambian youths but the un-seriousness and lackadaisical attitude towards the trade of some of the youths frustrates him so much at times, despite all the opportunities he has put at their disposal.
Mendy, who has won many local contracts from the government and the private sector for preparing security badges, logos, ranks, caps and promotional items, told this reporter that he recently returned from Las Vegas in the US where he promoted Gambian tailoring together with his colleagues.
He is also plans to employ  more Gambian youths in the near future, adding that he is currently working towards preparing some Gambian-made dress to send to the US or Europe.
“I want to see people from the outside world coming to The Gambia to buy Gambian made textile products,” he said. “I am working on that through the help of the US embassy and the Trade ministry. We are already international but what we are exporting is limited; our aim is to export more and create more employment opportunities.”
He added: “My aim is to see that people come from the outside world to buy Gambian made goods. We have professional tailors and firms here in The Gambia, such as Sawallou Couture; they are doing well in the industry.”

My trip to USA was to meet party supporters - Shyngle Nyassi

Shyngle Nyassi: " we are sure of victory in Nov. Polls"
By Hon. Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
 The National Organising Secretary of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Shyngle Nyassi, has denied reports that his recent trip to the United States of America was to solicit funds for his party.
Nyassi, who was speaking in an interview with our reporter yesterday, said his mission to the US was to meet and discuss with UDP party supporters in New York and other places in the US in his capacity as the new National Organising Secretary of the party.
According to the longtime ruling APRC party critic, it is his role and duty to go and meet with Gambians in the Diaspora who are committed to the party, see their stance, and discuss with them the political situation in the country ahead of the presidential polls.
“My purpose to the US was not to raise funds, but to re-organise and see how the party is functioning there,” Nyassi told this reporter.
He stated that the party militants are raising funds, but that he is not in a position to say how much, as he is not the treasurer of the UDP.
Commenting on the forthcoming presidential election proper, Nyassi expressed doubts about the “credibility of the polls”, saying that his party’s fears are whether the polls will be “free and fair.”
“Still now one cannot lay our hands on the voters register, after the IEC completed the general voter registration, which was marred by lots of problems and yet to be sorted out,” he said, adding that the period allocated for the official election campaign is “insufficient.”
“The APRC is campaigning every day. They should give us access to both the radio and TV, despite the 10-day campaign period, and the air time allocated to us, which is very short,” Nyassi opined.
He further stated that, the fact the IEC is still battling with the issues of double registration, shows that it will be difficult to have free and fair elections.
“Gambians are very conscious; they know what and who to vote for. What President Jammeh did for this country in the past 17 years speaks for itself,” the UDP National Organising Secretary added.
“The just-concluded meet-the-people tour, which is his constitutional right, was used as a political campaign as seen on national TV.  The APRC was using government resources and machineries during his entire tour,” he noted.
In Nyassi’s view, Gambians are fed up with empty promises and, this time around, change is inevitable as Gambians will effect a change.
While assuring Gambians in the run-up to the polls that victory will be at the side of the UDP, Nyassi said the mass defections of many UDP supporters shown on TV are “political propaganda” and are not the reality.
“They have the TV and radio at their disposal, and that is why they keep on their propaganda. If they are sure of their support, let them give the opposition air time on either the TV or radio,” he said, adding further that if this is done, the APRC would know that what is really on the ground “is not true”.
He stated that despite having daily meetings, the ruling APRC party “is still not comfortable” with the realities on the ground.
“It is evident that the ruling APRC party is frustrated ahead of the polls, and that is why they are using Governors and other senior government officials to campaign for them,” Nyassi remarked.
Noting that the Kanifing Municipal Council is under fire as the council “cannot even pay their staff,” Nyassi called on the APRC National Mobiliser and Mayor of the Municipality to desist from the politics of personal attack.
Nyassi further assured Gambians that if the country has free and fair elections, the UDP will, come 24th November, win with a landslide victory.
“In fact, we are trying to bring all the opposition parties together, in whatever way we can, in the interest of the country,” he concluded.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Commonwealth Secretariat certifies Gambian journalists

Managing Blogger Receives Certificate from Commonwealth Rep
As part of their assistance to member countries, and to ensure professionalism of the Gambian media, the Commonwealth Secretariat in London in partnership with the Gambia government, and University of The Gambia (UTG) sponsored a three-day media training workshop for senior journalists, editors and media chiefs, which ended Friday with the certification of more than 25 Gambian journalists.
The event convened by the organizers was held at the media lab of the Law Faculty of the UTG, and comprised a two-day forum on Media and Development, followed by the three-day capacity building training workshop.
The topics treated during the three-day intensive training included The Gambian media’s understanding of relations between media and economic development in a multi-party democracy; media policies and law: ethical principles for journalistic practices, decision-making  and moral judgment; basic principles of economics, public finance and their influence on national budget; writing, researching and reporting: covering business and financial news; investigative reporting; preparing interview and reporting; media as agent of sustainable development, peace building and security; citizen journalism and application of new media; reporting on conflict and humanitarian issues, and covering international criminal justice, among other topics.
Addressing media practitioners at the certification ceremony, Ms. Oluwatoyin Job, Adviser West Africa at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK hailed the participants for demonstrating a high sense of determination and commitment during the training, while urging them to share the knowledge gain edwith their collogues.
“You have learned a lot during this training, and the trainers are drawn from in and outside the continent,” she said, and went on to express the hope that her secretariat will partner with Gambian journalists for future collaboration.
The Director General of Management Development Institute, Dr. Jainaba Kah, told journalists that the discussion was open and honest, adding that media in any society plays pivotal role in socio-economic development.
She commended the University for hosting the media fraternity, while also commending the participants for their commitment, adding that education is a continuous process, especially for journalists.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Professor Momodou Kah, said that both the forum and the workshop were quite engaging, adding that UTG will strive hard to build the professional capacity of the media fraternity.
“We hope to partner with the media fraternity for professional training,” he said.
Prof. Kah went on to hail the efforts of the Commonwealth Secretariat for funding the workshop.
“This training has reallybroadened my journalistic horizon, and it has availed me the opportunity to learn new things in the media especially in a globalised world,” Pa Modou Faal, of The Point newspaper said when this reporter approached him to sound his opinion.

Gambia’s democracy risks collapse unless...

Strong Human Rights Advocate Martins Said Gambia Democracy risk Collapse
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger 
 
As the race to the forthcoming presidential election draws closer, Lawyer Assan Martin, a human rights advocate, has warned that the country’s democracy risks collapse unless the opposition parties unite and come together to save it.
Martin, who was speaking in an interview with our reporter yesterday, said the lack of a credible opposition in the electoral process might result in a one party state, and mark the collapse of our democracy in the country.
He warns that results of a one party state will cause all institutions of checks and balances to disappear, and thus make it “difficult to have an accountable government.”
According to him, Gambians need to look beyond the 24th November polls and work to ensure that the National Assembly is well representative, including the opposition, in order for our democracy to be sustainable.
“What we experience in the last five years was a grave mistake of having only four opposition members in the parliament, out of more than 50 members,” he said, adding that such mistakes should not be repeated as it erodes the necessary debate and scrutiny of our national laws.
What the country needs, Martin went on, is to restructure and revitalize its democratic institutions with a proper judicial independence. These, he added, are the wheels that move a nation forward, and are essential components in the nation-building process.
He told further this reporter that people need to be empowered to participate constructively in nation-building, adding that, as a progressive nation, we need to develop economically and socially.
Noting that the state of the country’s democracy is crucial and critical, Martin opined that if stakeholders do not participate constructively and effectively for the future of our nation, then we are putting our democracy on trial.
He also called on young people to take ownership of their destiny, and participate in the decision-making process by initiating new ideas, and taking positive steps that would shape the future of our nation.
Stating that the hopes of many Gambians lie on the shoulders of the opposition, Martin called on them to put aside their personal differences, and put the interest of the nation first before any personal interest.
He further urged the opposition not to let Gambians down, stating that the prospects of our nation depends on the ideas of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights.
“These are the principles and ideas that our nation was founded upon, which if we abandon, we will sink and our nation will be doomed,” he opined.
In his view, nation-building requires institutional governance and participation of all citizens and civil society.
“The duty of all political parties is to put forward their manifestoes, and campaign in a free and fair atmosphere; then allow the voters to decide their choice of government,” he said.
Concluding, Martin noted that the country deserves a better democratic system, which can only happen through a pluralistic democracy.
This, he stated, is the best way forward in the 21st century.

‘Corruption at the heart of poor election reporting’

Star CEO Chief Paul
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
 Veteran Cameroonian journalist and Chief Executive Officer of the Star Media in Cameroon has said that corruption is at the heart of poor election reporting in West Africa.
Chief Foanyi Nkemayang Paul, who was presenting a paper at the just-concluded Commonwealth-Gambia government organized media forum held at the Sheraton Hotel, said that a good number of journalists have fallen prey to this vice.
According to him, elections bring politicians closer to media practitioners and, as a result, the image of the profession is profoundly tarnished with some surmountable problems recorded.
He told journalists at the forum that in the noble profession of journalism, ethics is the golden rule, the success story, the kick-starter, and the be-all and the be-end of practice, when the canons of responsible journalism are put in motion.
“It is for this reason that professional ethics should be viewed and reviewed properly, more particularly as it stands as the formidable passage-way from common practice of journalists to their being regarded as the watchdogs of the society,” Paul added.
He also stated that the success or failure of a reporter in election reporting is largely dependent on some key indicators, which he said included the state of mind of the journalist; lack of access to source of information; lack of effective communication; poor wages of journalists; editorial line of the media house; cosmetic training in the media profession; favoritism, tribalism nepotism; corruption; intimidation, threat and victimization.
“So it is a foregone conclusion that journalists cannot be relied upon with regard to election reporting because some will shamelessly tell you that they can’t operate in an empty stomach,” he said, adding that some journalists abuse ethics of their profession and operate according to the whims and caprices of their pay masters.
However, he went on, there are equally some incorruptible and reliable level-headed media practitioners in West Africa, who have stood the litmus test of professional excellence, and who have remarkably proven their prowess at election reporting by doing their job without blemish, telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
In his view, these are gentlemen who know that when people cast their vote for an individual, they do so with the belief that they are doing it for one in whom they want to entrust their lives, their future and that of their unborn children. “Such practitioners, though few, are committed to excellence,” he stated.
Paul further stated that one salient problem of election reporting is the terrain over which journalist’s float to cover voting, as most countries are so underdeveloped that the few roads only link big cities and administrative headquarters.
He called on African governments to encourage freedom of expression; open up access to information sources; review unfavorable media laws; encourage training and refresher courses; avoid intimidation, harassment and torture.

Friday 5 August 2011

IEC detects nearly 2000 double voter registration

IEC Chief: " the law will take it course for Double Registers"
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
The Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, has detected 1,897 cases of what it said were people suspected of registering more than once, in the just-concluded voter registration exercise.
Mustapha Carayol, chairman of the Commission, told journalists and politicians at a press conference yesterday that thumbprints and facial recognition were used as a means of detecting this.
Noting that successful elections are dependent on a clean voter register, Carayol told the press conference meant to give findings of the matching done on the general voters registration exercise, that such unscrupulous acts are uncalled for and quite unexpected from the people, most of whom are fully aware of the implications of the act.
According to the IEC boss, the commission is currently engaged in frantic efforts in making sure a very credible voter register is produced.
He stated that the digital system of voters registration employed was also used as a platform upon which a biometric matching was conducted.
“The cross-matching query was able to detect a very high number of multiple registrations,” he said, adding that these are people who registered more than once.
He revealed that information was provided by the IEC database in respect of double or multiple registrations.
“One person registered five times in five registration centres, two people registered four times in four registration centres; 11 people registered 11 times in eleven different centres and 1883 registered two times,” he revealed.
Chairman Carayol further told journalists and politicians that the commission in consultation with political parties have decided, as a matter of goodwill, to offer a period of amnesty to all who registered more than once to come forward and surrender those cards.
“The commission urges those who are yet to surrender their cards within two weeks, from Monday 8th August to Monday 22nd August 2011, to do so,” he said, warning that failure to surrender these illegally obtained cards, after the two-week amnesty period, will cause the commission to institute legal action against those suspected of registering more than once.
The commission, he went on, has so far received 56 cards from people who registered more than once.
He further stated that since they heeded to the previous amnesty given, no legal action will be instituted against them.
The IEC boss, however, expressed dismay over the vandalism of the voter registers pasted in the various registration centres.
“This move compelled the commission to make strong statements in order to deter the general public,” he added.
He also told journalists that some youths were caught in the act of vandalising the voters list in Kiang Kiaf in the Lower River Region, and that the matter is with the police.
Concluding, Carayol also revealed that at the completion of the display and public scrutiny of the provisional list of voters, there was no appeal, but the commission received 173 objections, out of which 10 came from the Kanifing Municipality, while the remaining came from the Central River Region.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

UDP hits back at Basiru Jawara, as it holds political rally in Serrekunda


 Local businessman Basiru Jawara has come under the firing line after his attack on the personality of Ousainou Darboe, party leader and Secretary General of the opposition United Democratic Party, UDP.
Jawara reportedly spoke against Ousainou Darboe at a meeting held in Jareng, during the just-concluded meet-the-people tour, describing him as “not fit” to lead this country.
At a political rally held in Serrekunda at the weekend to honour Femi Peters, members of the UDP top brass demanded what they called an explanation from Basiru Jawara with regard to his comments, describing him as a “failed businessman, who knows nothing about politics.”
Speakers including longtime APRC critic Dodou Kasa Jatta, Babanding KK Daffeh, National Assembly Member for Kiang Central, and Momodou LK Sanneh, minority leader and member for Kiang West constituency, also called on Basiru Jawara to refrain from castigating the UDP leader.
For the UDP top brass, people like Basiru Jawara, Yankuba Colley, the APRC National Mobiliser and Mayor of the Kanifing Municipality, among others, should be mindful of what they say, as the country has now passed the stage where people should castigate each other.
Describing the forthcoming election as a “do or die election”, the UDP leadership called on the Independent Electoral Commission not to play with the desire of Gambians for free and fair elections.
“We have seen the IEC Chairman registering the President at State House. This is unconstitutional and he must refrain himself from politics,” Kassa Jatta told the rally attended by youths and women mostly.
“Basiru Jawara is using his unclean resources to tarnish the image of the UDP leader, while his family members are living in abject poverty,” Jatta added, renewing his earlier position that the UDP will never relent in its efforts to dislodge the ruling APRC party.
Kemesseng Jammeh, former UDP parliamentarian for Kiang West constituency said “the ruling APRC government has woefully failed Gambians in all aspects,” noting that the UDP party will ensure a two-term limit for every President, when it takes over the mantle of leadership.
He also warned the APRC to desist from what he referred to as “tribal politics”, adding that the APRC is the only party that talks about tribes, especially during the just-concluded meet-the-people tour.
“Gambians have to be wise enough to know who to vote for in the forthcoming elections, as it will determine their future and destiny,” he said, while calling on cheering supporters to vote for the UDP party.
In Kemesseng Jammeh’s view, the way and manner in which the ruling APRC government operates is discouraging.
“The economy of the country is poorly managed when the constitution has provided how the funds and resources of the state should be managed. When they took power, they accused the PPP regime of corruption and embezzlement, but now the APRC regime is more corrupt than the regime they toppled,” he added.
Ajaratou Yama Secka, UDP National Women’s Wing President, said most Gambians will never know that the APRC party is abandoned unless one tours the length and breadth of the country.
According to her, the recent nationwide tour by the UDP executive, showed how “weak” the ruling APRC party has become, especially at the grassroots level.
“People always say that President Jammeh is backed by women, but I can also raise my hand and say that the women have 100% backed Ousainou Darboe, and we will continue our support for him,” she told the rally.
She described as false and baseless, reports of mass defections from the UDP to the APRC party.
Commenting on comments made by Basiru Jawara, Yama Secka accused Jawara of destroying the Gambian tourism industry by closing some if not all of his hotels and indulging himself in politics.
“That will be his end because of clashing with the UDP; he will learn his lessons soon,” she added.
Hon. Babanding KK Daffeh told the rally that he was surprised to see the APRC National Mobiliser and Mayor of the Kanifing Municipality trying to settle a land dispute in Niamina, when his own municipality was under fire.
“The KMC has done nothing for the tax payers. The price of basic commodities is skyrocketing on a daily basis,” Daffeh said.
Momodou LK Sanneh, minority leader said the APRC came to power with the aim of curbing out corruption, but today corruption is rampant.
Sanneh called on Gambians to wake up and vote for the UDP in the forthcoming Presidential elections.

Monday 1 August 2011

Life imprisonment for Ex Police Chief

Ex- IGP Badjie being escorted out after hearing his verdict
By Sainey M.K. Marenah, Managing Blogger
Former Inspector General of Police Ensa Badjie was last Friday found guilty on robbery-related offences by the Special Criminal Court, which convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
He was found guilty of seven out of 12 charges filed against him by the state prosecutors in May 2010, after his arrest in March of the same year.
Badjie was convicted alongside former Chief Superintendent of Prisons Ali Ceesay, who got a three-year jail term or a fine of D30,000 after being found guilty on one out of the three-count charge preferred against him.
Ceesay was acquitted and discharged on count 14, conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with witnesses, and on count 15, which was about deceiving witnesses. He was found guilty on count 16, which was offences relating to judicial proceedings.
Indicted since May last year, Badjie was 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.
Badjie was convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one, which was conspiracy to commit felony, 14 years on count two, which was robbery with violence.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on count five and count seven which were about robbery with violence, and two years on count 11, which was aiding a prisoner to escape, and another seven years on count 12, which was for official corruption,
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.
In delivering judgment, Justice Ikpala told a packed courtroom that the prosecution had proved the element of truth to secure the conviction of the accused persons.
The judge acquitted and discharged Badjie on count four, six, eight, nine, and ten respectively on the grounds that the said counts had not linked the convict with the crime, and the prosecution had failed to prove their case on those counts.
Justice Ikpala, among other things, stated that the prosecution, in order to prove its case called 12 witnesses, while the convicted persons also opened their defence, and called witnesses.
He said the prosecution also tendered several exhibits, and that both the prosecution and the defence filed briefs which were adopted by the court.
Mitigating for his clients, counsel Touray begged the superior court to temper justice with mercy.
“Both my clients are first time offenders. They also served more than two decades in active service, serving their nation to the best of their ability,” defence counsel said in his plea of mitigation.
“He is married with three wives and 12 siblings,” counsel said of Ali Ceesay.
“Ensa Badjie has risen up to the rank of Inspector General of Police and was, in fact, described by the President as the best IGP he has ever got,” Barrister Touray said of Badjie.
Judge Ikpala in his judgment said that Ensa Badjie has the right to appeal.
Defence counsel B.S Touray subsequently announced that the defence would appeal against the conviction of his clients.
Recast
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 Jatou 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.
Ensa Badjie is already on another trial alongside two other senior military officers, under a 51-count charge including drugs-related offences, corruption and theft.
He is also currently involved appearing before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court for charges relating to abuse of office alongside Tijan Badjie, former head of police prosecutions Banjul division.