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Court dismisses application to arrest Baba Galleh

Ebrima Dampha
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Court dismisses application to arrest Baba Galleh

By Bruce Asemota

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court in Banjul yesterday dismissed lawyer Abdoulie Sissoho’s application to arrest the Executive Secretary of TRRC, Dr Baba Galleh Jallow.

Justice Jaiteh’s ruling was premised on an application made by lawyer A. Sissoho for a warrant to be issued against Executive Secretary, Dr Baba Galleh Jallow to show cause why he should not be cited for contempt of court for allegedly refusing to appear in Court to produce documents the Defence termed relevant to the case.

However Justice Jaiteh stated that the summons served on the Executive Secretary was brought under the wrong Criminal Procedure Form.

Justice Jaiteh then set aside the subpoena and asked lawyer Sissoho to apply afresh and urged him to use the appropriate Judicial Form.

Justice Jaiteh stated there are two varieties of subpoenas, subpoena decus tecum which requires a witness to appear and bring specific documents or records and subpoena ad testificandum which requires a witness to attend and give evidence and produce documents.

The trial Judge said the Defence Counsel submitted that the subpoena brought was in pursuant to section 221 of the Evidence Act 1994 which deals with the production of documents without giving evidence.

Justice Jaiteh revealed that the Executive Secretary of the TRRC is not a witness and therefore, the Criminal Judicial form used by the Defence Counsel was the wrong form and misleading as it commands the TRRC Executive Secretary to attend court and testify as a witness.

Justice Jaiteh noted that the proper judicial form that the Defence Counsel ought to have used is form 17, “notice to produce documents at trial” which is in tandem with the provisions of Section 221 of the Evidence Act.

The matter was adjourned to 18 November, 2019.

Guardian looks for missing boy

Ebrima Dampha
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Guardian looks for missing boy

Oustaz imam Camara, a guardian to one Abdou Karim Manneh, is soliciting the support of the public to search and locate the 14-year-old, who has been missing for over a month now.

Karim came from Senegal to memorise the Qur’an under the tutelage of Oustaz Camara in Lamin Kerewan.

Anxiety now surrounds the Oustaz, who was entrusted with the boy.
If anyone sees Abdou Karim Manneh, kindly contact Oustaz imam Camara on 7484727/6469858 or Sedat Hydara on 3230966.

Scorpions Start Afcon Journey Tomorrow

Ebrima Dampha
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Scorpions Start Afcon Journey Tomorrow

The Gambia national team players have been arriving in Luanda in the last few days from their bases across Europe for tomorrow’s Afcon qualifier against Angola.

The players and technical staff have already met an advance party led by GFF official Sadibu Kamaso who has since arrived in Angola. The Gambia will take on Angola tomorrow and host DR Congo a few days later in Banjul.

The Standard has learnt that the match will be broadcast live on Super Sports 4 at 8 PM GMT.

Communities sensitised on complications of FGM/C

Ebrima Dampha
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Communities sensitised on complications of FGM/C

By Maimuna Sey-Jawo

Communities of Busumbala and Old Yundum were educated on the effects and legal implications of FGM/C.

The sensitisation happened over the weekend at a school in Old Yundum with more than fifty participants.

It was organised by Njaboute Foundation, which said it is currently involved in a series of community awareness initiatives such as sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), HIV/Aids and tuberculosis through Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC). The Foundation hopes these initiatives would arm youths with the required knowledge on SRHR.

“The Foundation is here to address health issues in the country and support the less privileged,” said Ebrima Bah, its president.
Focusing on the topic, he said FGM/C is a deeply rooted cultural practice often confused with religion.

“It has no health benefits but only causes complications to the life of a woman,” he said.
The former president passed a law in 2015 banning the practice but activists said people are still practicing it.

Mr Bah therefore called on all Gambians to join hands in the crusade against FGM/C. He also advised parents to desist from the practice.
Pain and suffering is what it causes, said the foundation’s administrator, Isatou Bobo.
“FGM/C causes profuse bleeding during labour which leads to hypovolemic shock, severe anaemia and even death if prompt, efficient and effective emergency care is not instituted,” she stated.

The legal officer of the foundation, Anna Mendy, informed the gathering that although the practice refuses to entirely go, it remains a criminal offense under the laws of The Gambia. She cited various sections of the Women’s Act to back her argument.
“Anyone found guilty is liable to a mandatory jail term of three years, a fine of fifty thousand dalasi or both,” she warned.

She urged participants to report any case of the practice to police.
Participants were awarded various prizes at the end of the two-day convergence.
The event was sponsored by MMK Gambia Finland Friendship Foundation.

NYSS swear in new batch of corps members

Ebrima Dampha
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NYSS swear in new batch of corps members

By Olimatou Coker

The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), on Thursday organised a swearing-in ceremony for the 13th batch of its new corps members.
The event, interspersed with a parade and other activities, was held at the Schemes grounds in Bakau.

The Scheme is a body responsible for boosting the morale of young people by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement. The NYSS also has the responsibility of providing the youths with marketable skills, so that they may secure employment in both the formal and informal sectors.
Emmanuel D Mendy, executive director of NYSS, called the event another milestone in the history of the Scheme since inception in 1996.

He said the new corps members were recruited across the country by regional committees chaired and co-chaired by governors and chief executive officers of area/ municipal councils in line with provisions of the NYSS Act.

This ensures that regional partners take ownership of the process in identifying young people willing to learn skills for employment and or self-employment, he said.
“This ceremony is one of the most important events as corps members take an oath of service to the nation,” he stated.

He thanked the Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for providing the necessary resources to help young people acquire skills for a sustainable livelihood.
Hadrammeh Sidibeh, Minster for Youth and Sports, urged the new intakes to work hard and to be discipline.

“Discipline is the cornerstone of a tolerant and progressive society”, he told them.
He said a recent impact assessment has showed “a very high demand” from youths wanting to join the scheme.

“You are the future of this nation and your empowerment is vital for our socio-economic development,” the minister said.

Sarjo Cham, a corps member, gave the vote of thanks.
“It is also important to inform you all that, all of us are in good shape and mind, strong, healthy and ready for the task ahead of us,” he said.

The new intakes will study at the Scheme for two years, honing their skills in carpentry, welding and others. At the end of their training, the Corps are expected to get employed or be self-reliant.

Letters: Is insulting now acceptable?

Ebrima Dampha
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Letters: Is insulting now acceptable?

 

Dear editor,

I understand that my morality is not your morality. I also appreciate that we cannot legislate morality or behavior, but we also know that social cohesion is based on certain norms of acceptable behavior. There is order even in the jungle. There is something systemically wrong, if someone like Ajantala, the public insulter and public sperm donor on social media are hailed in a society. There is something wrong when the youth segment sees rudeness, being totally uncouth, disagreeable and brash as attributes to celebrate.
I know most of us and those before us were taught and raised right. Somehow, most of us did not pass it on to our children.

Now, we have Ajanta’s as (petulant Veruca Salt Children) all over the place.
Ajantala is the equivalent of the Frankenstein monster, for those who do not know, Ajantala was supposed to be a child born to a mythical Yoruba couple, grew up the same day and started to manifest wonders. The bane was that the wonders were malevolent streaks. He was even reported to have laid whips on the backs of everybody – including his parents! He was satanic.

We know survival is the hidden code in generational poverty. We know that fights are the way scores gets settled in poverty.

With limited possessions, and with survival in mind, people are the only thing that can be possessed. That is why fights are so intense in generational poverty. I understand that. If you must aspire to free yourself and rise above your beginnings, you must learn the rules of the game and tame your emotions.

People hail Ajantala, raises a lot of concern over our systemic loss of values. Most importantly, it tells me how poverty has become weaponized and democratized in a conservative society. Do you want a husband, brother, uncle, nephew like Ajantala? Novelist Paulo Coelho wrote: “How people treat other people is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves.”

What is the meaning of “Sit down and do nothing”? What is the difference between “a lot of Gambian youths” and “Gambian youths on social media”? We are not fooled by petty distinctions. President Barrow defenders are trying too hard to find exceedingly small difference which is neither important nor useful. Attempting to cast the insults in positive terms is disingenuous. It is the kind of hair splitting that gives politics a bad name, thus making tin gods out of politicians. It is tasteless for political party surrogates, supporters and militants to berate against each other and voters anywhere and on social media. For what it is worth, you have the right to defend they too have the right to attack on policies and programs as well as on superior ideas.

I agree with friends that we must not let the Ajantala’s define us. We must not mainstream rudeness and crudity. We must use our platform to educate. We expect to be well behaved people; we are, and we must uphold that. We cannot fold our hands and let people stink the world in the name of choice. Only a foolish goose goes to a fox’s Church.

Alagi Yorro Jallow
USA

On World Orphans’ Day: Let’s not forget orphans

Ebrima Dampha
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On World Orphans’ Day: Let’s not forget orphans

“Orphans should be placed under the care of public guardians.” (Plato)
Since time immemorial, the problem of people dying and leaving their children behind in this world has been a challenge for societies. As death is a natural phenomenon and its time is not known, the likelihood of parents leaving children behind is a fact of life which should be accepted..

Early in the development of societies and civilisations therefore, there have been efforts to improve the well-being of those children who are left behind by their parents.

There are millions of children in the world currently who have become orphans for many reasons. There are various causes leading to this problem. For instance, there are many wars, famine, displacements, poverty and diseases such as HIV AIDS and other killer diseases.

It is therefore necessary to set aside a day on which to ensure that these orphans are not forgotten. It is for this reason that once every year there is a special day dedicated just to these ‘unfortunate’ members of society – World Orphans Day. This day falls on the second Monday of each November.

In the Gambia, like in all other countries, there are many orphans. This is due to diseases and other causes of death which occur at a time when parents are bringing up their young children. There have been for instance, many instances of loss of lives due to some human rights violations in the past two decades or so.

Sometimes, these people left children behind who ultimately became orphans. There is for instance, the SOS Children’s Village which is host to many children who have no parents. It is necessary to give assistance and strengthen the work of institutions like the SOS and others of its kind in order to help protect the orphans amongst us.

In addition to the efforts of Government through the ministry of Women’s Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, individual members of society should also help to ensure that as many orphans as possible are assisted to reach their full potentials.

Brikama fined D30, 000, stripped off home matches next year

Ebrima Dampha
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Brikama fined D30, 000, stripped off home matches next year

The Super Nawettan Organising Committee SNOC, has now confirmed that they have taken a decision on the disturbances that occurred in Brikama between the zone’s team and Kombo East.

The home crowd disrupted the match protesting against a disallowed goal. The match was halted and the points given to Kombo East who were leading 1-0.
By Sunday, reports emerged that Brikama has been fined D10,000.

However, the SNOC issued a statement saying they have not at that time made a decision.
A decision came yesterday with the SNOC announcing that Brikama has been fined D30,000. In addition, the Zone will not have any home match at the Box Bar stadium in the next edition of the Super Nawettan.

untittledd

ASC Douanes to visit Gambia as host of Brikama UTD

Ebrima Dampha
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ASC Douanes to visit Gambia as host of Brikama UTD

Senegalese top flight team AS Doune will stage a pre-season training camp in the Gambia as host of Brikama UTD.
According to reports, the team will arrive on Thursday November 14 and stay until the 24th.
During their stay the team will fraternize with their host Brikama United FC.

Why we file a case against Myanmar for accountability for the Rohingya. Why The Gambia?

Ebrima Dampha
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Why we file a case against Myanmar for accountability for the Rohingya. Why The Gambia?

The Gambia as a country largely supported by the international community liberated itself from 22 years of dark history characterized by among others, atrocities and enforced disappearances. The new Gambia is determined to return as it were under the era of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, a country known for its rule of law and respect for human rights, hence its recognition as the human rights capital of Africa.

On the premise of the foregoing, to rebrand the image of The Gambia is the duty of every Gambian to advocate and remind the world of the values and principled stands the Government of The Gambia is committed to protecting for humanity.

Towards this endeavour, the government of The Gambia values human life and dignity across the world, be it in The Gambia or Myanmar. As a small country with less to offer to the world, our role in defending human dignity in The Gambia and around the world cost nothing but international recognition.

Worthy to mention here that The Gambia is not new to leading the world in seeking peace and preserving life and dignity. Mediation between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s was led by no other than our very own, Sir Dawda Kairaba, entrusted and mandated by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), supported by the United Nations to broker peace and avert humanitarian catastrophe in the region not at least close to West Africa.

Challenges of a small nation are insurmountable, yet the responsibility to protect and preserve human life and dignity is a business for all nations, small or large, poor or rich. It is therefore incumbent on all nations to prioritize issues of concern to the world and do without selfish and nationalist rhetoric. The world needs The Gambia as likewise The Gambia in the United Nations (League of civilized nations).

To be known for being a human rights champion, would not harm any nation but gain. It was not by accident that the world came to the aide of The Gambia in the most trying times of our country’s history. To, therefore, share with the world our little way of respect and compliance for human rights, should be our most valuable weapon and we must not relent or shy away.

It is not reasonably excusable for any responsible nation to ignore the extermination of a group of people under the pretext ‘not our priority’. Such excuses may cause one to wonder what brought the ECOMIG Forces to The Gambia in spite of all the domestic challenges facing each of the countries that selflessly volunteered their gallant men and women for the ECOMIG Force.

The world, and in particular, state parties to the Genocide Convention have been under the challenge of turning a blind eye to the acts of genocide being committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar for years. The Gambia as a member of the international community including the Muslim Umma (OIC) is no exception.

The dire circumstances faced by the Rohingya people who are being persecuted for being Muslims and a distinct ethnic group in Myanmar have been discussed in many international fora but without tangible results leading to protection and accountability for the lives of Rohingya. Should The Gambia continue to be among the silent majority and therefore complicit in genocide acts being meted to the Rohingya, or speak out and take action for the Muslim Umma as well as save humanity?

The Government of The Gambia has decided on the latter as a giant and champion for human rights and dignity of all mankind by taking steps to bring Myanmar to compliance as required by the Genocide Convention. The Gambia as a party to the said convention is under both moral and legal obligation to defend the convention and indeed the reception is overwhelming.

The stance of The Gambia did not stem out of any attention-seeking but to rather plant a seed for future concessions considering that The Gambia is not an island and we may need similar support as we did in December 2016 post-election. In view of this, The Gambia and every Gambian should be proud that our guiding principles and values as related to respect for human life and dignity are no longer limited to our shores, but leading the world in the call to bring Myanmar to compliance with regards to the genocide convention.

Every Gambian should view this historic event as a proud moment and manifestation of the slogan ‘Never Again’ to Atrocities in The Gambia and indeed all over the world, and that a fight for one Gambian life and dignity is worth replicating for a thousand life around the world. As a responsible member of the international community and precisely “the Genocide Convention,” we are duty-bound to take necessary steps as a sovereign state and people to lead in bringing/calling for accountability where it is due in the interest of humanity.

Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad

3 Years Jotna Allays Fears

Ebrima Dampha
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3 Years Jotna Allays Fears

By Lamin Cham

The much talked-about 3 Years Jotna Movement, a group which vowed to demonstrate against any attempt by President Barrow to cling on to power after the 3 years agreed by the Coalition, has stated that Gambians need not fear the group or its planned activities.
Gambians at home and abroad have expressed anxiety over the planned activities of the group in the run-up to the expiry of the three years agreed in the MoU.

With President Barrow declaring his intention to complete a full five-year term, people are worried that a confrontation is looming which could affect peace and economic stability of the Gambia.

Contacted over the weekend about these concerns, Matar Ceesay, an executive member of the group, said there is no cause for alarm as far as their movement is concerned.

”Whereas we will not accept any attempt to seize our right to protest, we shall do it in the most peaceful manner you can imagine. All what we will do is to protest in large numbers to show the coalition government and President Barrow that it is wrong to lie to the people, betray their trust and continue to claim legitimacy by hiding behind a constitution which did not say a president cannot resign.

We believe that taking sanctuary in the constitution as an excuse to prolong his power is deceitful and sign of a power-hungry leader who is abusing the incumbency by corrupting the minds of Gambians and dragging them back to the self-perpetuating style of ex- president Jammeh. This is what we are going to protest against and that’s all.

No one needs to fear us. In fact we don’t have the wherewithal to cause violence. We have no guns, no explosives, not even a toy weapon. All what we have is our placards. If there is any violence, and God forbid, then it can only come from the government which has been threatening people with hot water cannons and guns,” Mr Ceesay told The Standard.

Asked if a solution cannot be found in a dialogue instead of protests, Mr Ceesay said his movement is open to dialogue but only with political parties and other groups who are interested in national dialogue and not a partisan political agenda. “Certainly we are not interested in talking to President Barrow or agents representing his agenda because he has not shown any serious intention to talk about this issue,” Mr Ceesay said.

Operational plan
Asked when and where they intend to hold these protests, Mr Ceesay said the operational plan of the movement will be disclosed to the public at the right time. “There is nothing to hide. After all we are going to state it in the application for permit to the police. We are a lawful organisation. We have no clandestine intention or plan. All these nefarious propagandas against us are coming from people with intention to perpetuate President Barrow in power without regard to national interest and morality,” he said.

Asked if they are guaranteed to secure a permit, Mr Ceesay said it is in the best interest of the authorities to issue them a permit because that is the only way to maintain order and prevent chaos in a democracy. “In any case they have never denied us permit in all our activities and we don’t at all expect we will be denied. That is out of it,” Mr Ceesay said.

Asked to comment on recent social media reports that two of their key members Sheriff Ceesay and a person known by the name KingSport have been expelled, Mr Ceesay said that is not true. “No one can expel anybody from the movement without due process. I told you we are a serious group who are even trying to convince Gambians to see issues in the same nature and non partisan way we want. Both Mr Ceesay and KingSport continue to be full members of the group,” he said.

Asked to disclose the identity of KingSport, Mr Ceesay said the person is very well known by that name well before the movement was formed and he preferred to be called that name.

“We respect his wish to be called that name,” Ceesay concluded.

Barrow: Forming a party is up to Gambians

Ebrima Dampha
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Barrow: Forming a party is up to Gambians

President Adama Barrow has revealed that the decision to form a political party is up to the people of The Gambia, and not him as an individual, stressing that he would go by whatever the people want.

”The answer to the question of forming my own party is up to the people. The ball is in your court. I will go by whatever you want,” President Barrow said in response to calls from the leadership of both Kombo East and the Council of Elders of The Gambia (Alfaa Kaafo), who visited him over the weekend to strongly advise that he establish his own party.
Addressing the gathering, the President also indicated that while his political opponents are preoccupied with their efforts at derailing the country, he is focused on the task of nation-building and carrying out the country’s much-needed reforms for the good of the Gambian people.

Speaking on behalf of his group, influential KMC politician, Undaa Nyang, Chairman of the Gambia Alfaa Kafoo revealed that majority of the country are anxiously waiting for the moment the President would make such an announcement.

“But, in fact, we will not wait for the president to form anything. We will establish the party and impose the leadership on him in 2021”, Nyang said, describing the president as a humble, compassionate, respectful, and visionary leader.

He said the Gambia Alfa Kaafo comprises people who are respected influential people from across the country who are also extremely loyal and committed to the agenda of the President. Nyang further stated that they are ready to support him to victory in 2021, the same way they did in 2016.

The weekend meeting is the first time President Barrow came close to revealing which direction his 2021 political agenda will take him since parting ways with his native UDP. While many had thought he may join existing parties sympathetic to him in the Coalition, others speculated he will form his own party, with some even suggesting it will be called the National Development Party NDP, to rhyme with his government blue print for national development.

One political observer contacted by The Standard on the State House meeting, said the meeting resembled one convened in 1996 by people mobilized by ex-president Jammeh’s supporters masquerading themselves as ‘Opinion Leaders’ with a similar message for him to contest elections.

On Lawyer Darboe and the reality of his clout in Gambian politics

Ebrima Dampha
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On Lawyer Darboe and the reality of his clout in Gambian politics

By Momodou Sabally

I have never been a great fan of the Secretary General and Party Leader of the UDP, but neither have I ever been dismissive of his towering relevance and undeniable political clout in this country for the past quarter of a century.

Yet despite his clear role as the catalyst of the 2016 political tsunami that saw pummeled Jammeh out of power, some people still try to project a false image of this colossus in our political arena.

Indeed there are some honest opponents sharing their views about Darboe but there is a loud minority trumpeting a false paradigm about Lawyer Darboe and his role in Gambian politics. What is offensive about this minority is their outright hatred of this man motivated by nothing but his dominance in the political scene. When I recently blogged about this hatred of the man and it’s futility some people asked me to drop the word hate because those going after him are mere opponents and not haters.

My response was quick: I know there are opponents but the reality of hatred in our politics can never be masked with euphemism. I will call their attitude what it is because I am not afraid of what others think about my statements so long as they represent the facts. Here’s the exact statement I posted on my public figure page on Facebook that provoked a day-long heated debate:

I believe Lawyer Darboe is human and thus, imperfect…But your hatred of this man will not in any way dwindle his support base and his relevance as the most important political figure in these trying times…
#KanaSong #CantCageHim
Meanwhile the prognosticators are predicting the outcomes of our political benchmarks as December stares us in the face and 2021 creeps in. Most of the so-called analysts are painting pictures to suit their own aspirations and plans. But the reality is that Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, the game/changer in 2016 is likely to be the #decider in the next milestones whether we admit it or not.

The good thing about this situation is that, Darboe, the leader of the biggest, most energized, and most determined political party in this country is also a patriot, a man of law, and a peaceful man at the core of his being.

Observers and players in our political game keep preaching the narrative of our so-called New Gambia to suit their own tastes and constituencies but the reality of the matters is that, the much-touted and globally embraced change is all about democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights. We have relapsed a bit in these cardinal principles under President Adama Barrow and the drive to restore the balance is unstoppable.

The fact is that none of the big players in the political arena (backed by adequate voter-power) can match Lawyer Darboe’s credentials in the matter of the cardinal principles that primed our quest for change in 2016. For those who may interpret my thesis here as a shift of political position due to recent optics, here’s a reminder of what I said about Darboe in a news report published by Gunjur News Online back in 2018 when I was most critical of the government he was then serving as minister-cum-godfather: “Gambia’s Foreign Minister and Head of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, is a gentleman who actually believes in the principles of democracy and human rights just as he preaches it.”

As the crunch moments approach, some are jittery, others bitter for their own lack of weight in the optical arena. At least one major player is having sleepless nights without admitting it. The reality is that Lawyer Ousainu Darboe is in pole position with his yellow Ferrari in top-notch condition.

My favourite musician, Jaliba Kuyateh, has never sung lyrics more inspiring than the following; and he was (or better still, he is) singing for the majority of Gambians. He is singing about the most important commodity in the scheme of things right now, #Hope. In pristine Mandinka, Jaliba, or the masses, are singing: ‘ngan-jikoe sembeh Lawyer Darboe wolla; Nying Gambia Lawyer baa…’

May peace and harmony prevail in this our little piece of paradise, on planet earth, our motherland, The Gambia. We hope to see a peaceful and democratic change of government soon. Until, then, the writing is on the wall and I captured it in one hashtag #YellowNation

‘Forcing Barrow out in December will be premature’

Ebrima Dampha
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‘Forcing Barrow out in December will be premature’

By Omar Bah

Mambanyick Njie, a former PRO of Gambia Democratic Congress, has said “it will be grossly premature to force President Adama Barrow to resign in December without completing his government’s reform agenda.

“Because if he resigns the constitution doesn’t say we should go for fresh elections. If he was to resign today the Vice President is mandated by the constitution to take over from him and see off the remainder of his mandate. Therefore, getting rid of somebody who was elected as President just because we want him to fulfill an agreement will make no sense,” Njie said in a Standard exclusive.

He went on to add that although the 3-year agreement was among the salient components that gave rise to Coalition 2016, “forcing Barrow to step down in December will make no sense.

“I hold the view that if the Coalition had contested the national assembly election as independent candidates all these changes could have been affected within 3 years. But because you have a national assembly that comprises political parties all of whom, except few, are trying to protect their party interest than the interest of the Coalition, makes it even more difficult,” he said.

He said the failure to fulfill their agreement by contesting the parliamentary election as independent to institute an independent government where no party or individual can claim ownership created even a bigger problem for President Barrow, who was left alone.

“So really if one blames Barrow for not fulfilling his promise, one should also blame the Coalition partners fulfilling their own part of the bargain. I personally believe in order for the 3 years to take effect there has to be amendment to section 65. So that even if the President resigns you don’t expect the Vice president to complete the remainder of the mandate. It should be amended in such a way that if the president resigns the Speaker will take over from him for a period of 90 days so that we can organise fresh elections,” he noted.

He continued: “I believe as citizens we should critically analyse what our political leaders are saying against their actions and then decide whether they deserve our trust or not. This applies to Adama Barrow, Ousainu Darboe, Mamma Kandeh and all the party leaders in this country. As a people we must not be carried away by events or political rhetoric where politician will be reneging on their promise”.

“I think it will do us a great deal when we try to change our national debate from trivial issues to issues that are more relevant to nation building. It is my profound opinion that as a nation we should be looking at how in one generation we can transform this country from a third world country to a first world country,” he observed.

He said there are issues the government must be encouraged to focus on and if the opposition believe the government is not doing what is in the country’s interest, they should provide alternative blueprint to the Gambian people.

“So that in the next election when the people go to the polls, they will be voting based on issues instead of tribal, region, friendship or partisan basis. The citizens and journalists have a big role to play to make sure our politicians focus on more relevant issues rather than trivial matters that will not take this country anywhere,” he added.

President Barrow, he added, will do himself a wealth of good “if he focuses on the issues that brought him into office and avoid responding to every Tom and Harry or throwing stones to every dog that barks at him at a time when the country is in dire need of service”.

“If I were one of his advisers, I would have advised him to refrain from mentioning anything that has to do with tribe,” he added.

GAP writes to Gov’t, IEC to facilitate dialogue over 3-years

Ebrima Dampha
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GAP writes to Gov’t, IEC to facilitate dialogue over 3-years

By Omar Bah

The leader of Gambia Action Party, Musa Yali Batchilly has confirmed to The Standard that his party has written to President Adama Barrow and copied the IEC Chairman to immediately facilitate a national dialogue on the political uncertainty that could engulf the country in December.

“Our stand as a party in the Gambia remains crucial especially when it comes to issues of this magnitude. We want to support national dialogue to tackle this political conundrum. We went a step further to write to the President and copied the IEC chairman to facilitate immediate dialogue before it is too late,” he said.

He said although the President has not responded to their request, the party deems it necessary to openly address him to consider calling for national dialogue ahead of December.

“As we call on Gambians to remain united, we express our dismay to some disgruntled camps scrambling for power. We should concentrate on uniting this country and not disintegrate it. In unity, we stand vigil to protect ourselves. A finger cannot pick a pebble which clearly demonstrates that our strength lies in collaborative effort,” he added.

Batchilly said he is of the view that Barrow became President unprepared, and that there is no shame for him to re-engage the Gambian people to pave the way for peace and national cohesion.

“Let us go back to square one and discuss to reshape our country. Whatever we choose to do, we still have a country to build especially at a time when we are in a healing and reconciliatory process. We must avoid causing extra havoc to the already damaged society,” he said.

He said Barrow or the Coalition partners cannot claim innocence about the issues currently happening in the country and “if things go wrong, they should shoulder the blame for betraying the trust of Gambians”.

“Our desire for greatness as a nation cannot be complemented when our individual desires for self-improvement supersede the nation’s interest. For the Gambia to remain our homeland, relentless pursuit of hard work, unity, sincerity and genuineness shall top the scale of preference. Let’s build on the legacy of our heroes who fought for our independence,” he noted.

He said GAP will strive to salvage Gambians from the pothole they are subjected to by leaders who choose to neglect them after voting them into office.

“For this to happen, our collective consciousness, efforts and the zeal to make Gambia a self-sufficient and productive nation is fundamental. Clinging on to power for decades doesn’t guarantee efficacious impact on the native Gambian,” he added.

Gambia observes Remembrance Day

Ebrima Dampha
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Gambia observes Remembrance Day

By Patience Loum

Gambians yesterday joined the British High Commissioner and the Gambia Armed Forces to commemorate the annual Remembrance Sunday at the Fajara War Cemetery.
The ceremony started with a solemn two-minute silence to honor the war heroes and remember the sacrifice they made.

The beginning and end of the two minutes’ silence were marked by the gun salutes by the Gambia Armed Forces.

The laying of wreaths was done by officials from the members of Gambia Armed Forces, Children from Jofi Modern School, and other individuals, followed by prayers from both the Imam and Bishop of Banjul.

ECREEE empowering local companies to take lead in renewable energy sector

Ebrima Dampha
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ECREEE empowering local companies to take lead in renewable energy sector

Press release

Six selected projects in Ecowas member states have emerged as winners of the third Ecowas Rural Electrification Facility (EREF 3) and received cheques amounting to over $980,000 as grant.

The cheques were presented to the award winners by the executive director of ECREEE, Mahama Kappiah, together with other distinguished dignitaries at the end of a three-day Ecowas Sustainable Energy Forum held in Accra, Ghana from 22 – 24 October 2019.

The beneficiary companies included AGROCOOPCHA of Cabo Verde; Fanny Franck, Global Resources Limited of Nigeria; Access SA of Mali; Translight Solar LTD of Ghana; Jesuton Sarl of Togo and; Unique Solutions & Unique Energy Company Limited of The Gambia.
Energy experts at the forum described EREF 3, as a highly competitive co-funding grant, viewed by many as a game changer in the quest to harness the full potentials of mini-grids in communities not connected to the national grid in a bid to enhance socio-economic development.

To this end, ECREEE has put emphasis on results-based financing, with contributions tied to the procurement of generation and distribution of equipment in achieving a determined number of connections.

Under the agreement, the 6 selected projects will also provide significant counterpart financing which will represent a total installed capacity of 231 kWp, close to 2000 new connections, reaching over 10,000 beneficiaries in communities across the region.

It would be recalled that Ecowas Renewable Energy Facility (EREF) was set up in 2011 to support small-to-medium scale renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in West Africa. Since its inception, more than 50 projects have been co-funded by the Facility, among them 10 Clean Energy Mini-grids in countries such as Sierra Leone, Niger, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Guinea or Benin.

ECREEE has also mobilised partners such as USAID, OFID, Austrian Ministry of Environment, UNIDO, ADA and AECID to contribute to EREF, amounting to about 3 million US dollars in grant co-funding.

Ifad delegation to visit Gambia

Ebrima Dampha
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Ifad delegation to visit Gambia

By Tabora Bojang

A high-level delegation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad), will be visiting the country from 19 – 20 November.

The Project Support Unit (PSU) of National Agricultural Land and Water Management Development Project (Nema) is expecting the delegation from Rome, which will include 11 EU ambassadors in The Gambia.

The purpose of their coming is to visit some of the Nema-chosso selected intervention sites in the West Coast and Lower River regions, respectively.
Agriculture minister, permanent secretaries and other top government officials are expected to meet the delegation

Letters: The implications of UDP’s u-turn

Ebrima Dampha
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Letters: The implications of UDP’s u-turn

 

Dear editor,

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Lawyer Ousainu has made a major U-turn by urging President Adama Barrow to honor the three-year transition plan reached by the 2016 Coalition.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Lawyer Darboe unequivocally called on President Barrow to step down in December, in line with the Coalition Agreement. The announcement is at variance with Mr. Darboe’s initial stance that the President should be allowed to serve out his five-year constitutional term and went as far as threatening to take to court anyone who forces Barrow to prematurely cede power, citing the Constitution.

Since the party’s relationship with Barrow soured, the UDP has been in a dilemma as far as the three-year controversy is concerned. Certain members of the Party have publicly called on Barrow to honour the transition plan and have been adamant that Mr. Darboe’s statement did not reflect the official position of the UDP. Until Darboe had stood his ground on the issue.

In light of the increasingly murky and frosty relationship between the UDP and Barrow, particularly after the dismissal of the party’s top officials from Cabinet, it seems Mr. Darboe came to a realization that it’d be prudent to further isolate President Barrow and accordingly scupper his bid to extend his rule. Darboe’s critics have described him as a flip-flopper.

With UDP officially announcing its support for the three-year plan, President Barrow finds himself in a tight corner as all major parties including the UDP, GDC, PDOIS and APRC are collectively against his plan to remain in power until 2021. Mai Fatty’s GMC has recently distanced itself from a pronouncement by former VP Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang that the Coalition has decided to extend Barrow’s social legitimacy until 2021. Mr. Fatty has resigned from his post as Special Advisor to the President.

With this latest development Mr. Barrow can only count on minor parties such as NRP, PPP, GPDP and NCP which are expected for form a Coalition with the Gambian leader. President Barrow has signalled in a rally over the weekend that he would form his own party.

President Barrow has since declared his intention to serve his constitutionally mandated five-year term citing unfinished business. According to the President his reforms are in progress and that he’s determined to see them through.

It’s obvious that December will represent a major milestone in Gambia’s political landscape. The 3yrs Jotna Movement has been equally ratcheting up pressure on the President to step down in December so the decision of all major parties to subtly support the cause could only turn up the heat on President Barrow.

Basidia M Drammeh
Canada

3 Years Jotna: Accountability measure

Ebrima Dampha
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3 Years Jotna: Accountability measure

The talk on everyone’s lips nowadays is the issue of the Three Years Jotna movement. This is a movement which is calling on President Adama Barrow to honour his promise to step down at the end of three years.

They posit that as far as the Coalition campaigned on ruling for only three years and organising free and fair election where there will be a level playing field, they should respect that and step down in December 2019 which will mark three years since the Coalition government came to power.

After winning the presidential election in 2016, President Barrow initially proclaimed that he will honour the agreement but later reneged on that declaration and said that whether people liked it or not, he will stay for the full five years which is what the Constitution stipulates.

The debate was reignited last Wednesday when the United Democratic Party (UDP) made their stance clear by calling on President Barrow to step down in December.

The whole nation went into overdrive as it were because inter alia, the Leader and Secretary General of the UDP, Lawyer Ousainu Darboe had declared that whoever said Barrow should serve for only three years, will answer to him in court.

Given the brouhaha that ensued after Darboe’s statement, the Three Years Jotna Movement told The Standard Newspaper that all they want is to demonstrate and show their frustration over President Barrow’s disregard of his own promise.

They said that they are not intent on causing any form of violence in the country as the country belongs to all and its destruction will not benefit anyone.

The issue of three years or five years is such that only dialogue can resolve it. There needs to be an open and honest dialogue between the governors and the governed. Every citizen knows that this country can only progress if there is peace and tranquility. Thus, it is essential that all stakeholders take it seriously and dialogue to find a lasting solution to it.

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