Gainako Newspaper

.."Perplexed, bewildered even embarrassed, many of the guests decide to leave before any more damaged is done
in their presence. The following morning, news of this meltdown hit the community like a tornado, many .realized
that what has happened is no graduation ceremony but rather the coronation of a fool, a nincompoop .who is
about to unleashed his double degrees wisdom to an unsuspecting community that has nothing but love .for him.
....Many lamented how they once hope his education, and training would mold him into a better soul"
Today is my day! I repeated Today! Is my day! Pointing his finger to the crowd
of guest that was in attendance, punctuating with emphasis every syllable in the
word "Today". I want everyone here to know that I, Bai Peul paid for this
microphone, paid for this D.J playing the music, and paid for all this food and
drink you are about to devour. Today I want everyone here to know, that I
Bai Puel have graduated with double degrees in History and History. This was
the opening speech of a bizarre graduation ceremony in the city of Waleigh that
in the years since then many came to regard as a defining moment, a watershed
event if you will to a character whose antics like a modern day T.V soap opera
was truly remarkable.

Today all my critics will know that I am now, Mr. "Andu Fof" Mr. "Ayaa Belon" Mr. "Ham Lep"
Mr. "Sabi all", and Mr."Kone Tout", continues Bai Puel. His guest caught off guard by this sudden
and unexpected tirade, froze for a moment unsure what to make of this bizarre introduction from a
man who like a wily politician had for weeks canvases every hamlet in the community, urging folks,
begging, even enticing the homeless, imploring everyone to attend his graduation ceremony. Surely this
is an occasion that should be marked by congratulatory remarks and merriment some began to
wonder.

Suddenly someone in the crowd yelled "Boy Melah", he turned to face that direction. The name
"Boy Melah", reminds him of his conquest in another realm and the word is dear to his heart, a small
smile came across his face. A sweat broke from his forehead run from his face and little tears came
down his cheeks. He pauses briefly to catch his breath, and then raised the microphone, and turning
towards the other guest continues. His face now fully covered with sweat, his nostrils a degree larger
than normal. My struggle in this town is epic and without precedence he continues. I have driven a cab
for 24 hrs non-stops, not even to relieve myself once while going to school at the same time. I used to
do my assignment in the cab while ferrying my customer's thro and fro. I have driven to every nocks
and cranny in this state. Once I even picked the Governor of this great State as a customer and he
was so impressed by my command of the English language that he said that I am the smartest African
he have ever met. That I reminded him of Mr. Nelson, even gave me an autograph, a one dollar bill
scribbled with the word "Bombastic" as tip for my services.

I used to drive my cab with one hand, and turning the pages of my textbook with the other. With one
eye on the road, and the other on the book, I would be reading and driving at the same time. This, my
friends is called "Multi-Tasking" in case you don't know and this word can only be found in
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, of which there are limited copies and I was lucky
enough to buy the last one at the corner store. In fact I drove this cab so much that the cab gave me a
disease. A skin condition, that thanks to my learned friend, the great doctor Kaczynskivile, The only
man in the whole world, who can cure this rare disease.

Today! Is my day and all you haters, critics will listened. I paid for this microphone and I shall not be
denied! In fact, I have heard some people said that my wife is even older than me. But I will answer
them today and show them how uneducated they are. Now! How can I, Bai Peul be younger than my
wife when I was in the same class with her? You see those naysayers can't figure this simple answer,
this simple logic but how can they? He asked when they never went to a university, never earned a
single degree not to mention a double degree. This complex critical thinking requires training in
advanced computational logic, statistical analysis, behavioral science and deep understanding of
chaos theory. I was the only African lucky enough to ever attend this privilege class. In fact I used to
challenge the professor so much so that after I left the university, they decided cancelled this class for
fear it makes Africans too smart.

In case many people here do not know, I was once voted "Head Boy" in my school. Out of a class
of 37 girls, and 1 boy, I was the only one elected head boy by the whole student body. In fact I used
to write for the school paper "Wah-Rek" and the whole school was so impressed and mesmerized by
the depth of my writings, that they made me the editor. I even changed the name of paper to
"Wah-Kat" to give it a new perspective, personality, class and respect I brought on-board to now
this reputable school. I was the first student-Journalist reporting for radio "Kang-Kang". Once I
wrote an essay that went round the world twice. This achievement was never duplicated until the
advent of the internet. In my final year in High school, I was voted the most "handsome boy" in the
whole school district by all 38 students in my class. In fact for those of you who don't know the "Rise
and Conquest" of Bai Peul under as "Boy Melah" was started as a consequence of this
endorsement. Anyway I will save that topic for another day. For Today! I repeat Today! Is my Day,
and I shall not be denied

Perplexed, bewildered even embarrassed, many of the guests decide to leave before any more
damaged is done in their presence. The following morning, news of this meltdown hit the community
like a tornado, many realized that what happened is no graduation ceremony but rather the coronation
of a fool, a nincompoop who is about to unleashed his wisdom of double degrees to an unsuspecting
community that has nothing but love for him. Many lamented how they once hope his education, and
training would mold him into a better soul. How they now wish Bai Peul had stayed and complete his
"Dara" studies and never touched this so called European education "Jangi Tubab" , a knowledge
they fear is obviously getting him mad.

....FOOD PRICES ON THE RISE IN THE
.....GAMBIA; - Are There Any Answers?
......................By Solo, Banjul Correspondent��..May 5th, 2008
Food prices are on the increase in the Gambia as it has been reported in
many parts of the developing world. The price of basic commodities especially
foodstuffs has become a concern to not only the poor but also to the middle
-income earners in this country. The price of rice, which is the staple diet, has
catapulted from the minimum price 675 Dalasi per 50 kilograms bag to 780
Dalasi and from a maximum price of 750 Dalasi to 850 Dalasi per 50-kilogram
bag.

This reporter spoke to both retailers and consumers. Both sides agreed that the price of rice has never
reached this far. A retailer complained that their price actually depends on the price of the importers
or the wholesalers.

This reporter went to sound the views of the consumers at vous, draught players, who said they are
having it, very tough to take care of the food requirement of their families. Asked if they belong to any
consumer's association, they answered in the negative and said they don't think that existed in this
country. Asked how they expect the prices to come down when there is no pressure group pushing
for price reduction; they agreed that that would be difficult. This reporter reminded them of a group of
people who were advocating for price reduction over the national TV, they said they are aware of that
but that those people are begging the businesspersons to reduce prices. They argued how profit
seekers could bring down prices because of having only sympathy for the poor.

When asked to compare earnings to prices, they insisted that they are not comparable; that the
earning capacity is far below prices. Some say it is just like night and day or the sky ant the earth.
They said whoever is satisfied and can take care of his or her family must either be engaging in stealing
or has someone abroad who is giving a helping hand.

The low-income earners complain that if the trend continues they would not be able to give even the
poorest diet to their families let alone take care of other matters. On what they think of those who are
condemning retailers for the high prices; they opined that those are the apologists of the APRC who
always blame the businesspersons but refused to look at the role of the state.

As for the Worker' Unions, they are asking for 250 to 300% increase of salaries. They believe that
that would make workers salary to be above the consumer price index; that the daily minimum pays
would be 60 Dalasi per day. They said even though the president announced a 20% increase, that
would not be enough to solve the basic needs of the poorly or minimum paid workers; that the
government and private sector had been increasing prices without considering the pay of the workers
This reporter asked some civil servants whether they are enjoying the 20% increase announced by the
president, they said they are yet to receive that increment.

However the question that remains to be answered is what role is the Gambia government playing to
help bring down food prices or make it affordable to the poor? This reporter visited the government's
economic blue print " The vision 2020" where the Jammeh Government made elaborate promises of
food self sufficiency before the year 2020 for the Gambia.

Critics however argued that the government is not working on track; that the price of a 50kg bag of
rice in 1994 when the regime seized power was only 150 Dalasi and said if the regime is on target, the
price of rice which is the staple food in the country should have dropped instead of sky rocketing to
an astronomical sum of 850 Dalasi. They argued that the state has neglected Agricultural development
in favor of wasteful spending and the lack of priority planning to consistently reduce poverty and
hunger.

..DEMOCRACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY:
......Is Francis Fukuyama's "END OF HISTORY" On Track
..............................By Binneh S. Minteh.......................May 05th, 2008
In his book titled the end of history, Francis Fukuyama argued that "a remarkable consensus concerning the
legitimacy of liberal democracy as a system of government emerged throughout the world over the past few years,
as it conquered rival ideologies like hereditary monarchy, fascism, and most recently communism." He further
asserted that "liberal democracy may constitute the end point of mankind's ideological evolution, and the final
form of human government, and as such constituted the end of history." A careful analysis of the Global Political
Landscape could rightfully ascertain that governments that do not value democratic credentials turn-out to be
autocratic and therefore characterized by irrational policies under irrational leaders eventually leading to their
collapse. The emergence of democratic values has also successfully put dictators and autocrats under the radar
of an international limelight as seen in the most recent events in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burma, Venezuela and even
the tiny West African state of The Gambia.
Many contemporary analysts however maintained skepticism over
Fukuyama's assertion that liberal democracy has emerged triumphant
as the dominant political ideology over all the others. Francis Fukuyama
may be right on track especially following the end of the cold war and the
bloody civil wars of the former Yugoslavia. The clouded perceptions of
all those skeptics have continually appeared under a global political limelight
as the proliferation of democracies across the world has become no hidden
agenda.

The former Soviet Union; a one time beacon of communism for example, collapsed in the midst of an
outright breaking away of member states in their quest of becoming sovereign democratic nations.
Today the European Union is home to most breakaway states of the former Soviet Union. This is so
because of the embracement of democratic values and ethics over other political ideologies.

Apart form the former Soviet Union, even the continent of Asia has undergone tremendous political
transformations. Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan and India, just to name a few, are great
examples of a spiraling democracy across the Asian Peninsula. The Maoists resounding victory in the
10 April elections in Nepal is also expected to doom the decade's long monarchy in that part of the
world. Even China that is considered a communist safe heaven is beginning to embrace some
democratic credentials. For example capitalism has begun shaking Chinese economic activities, and
today, China is home to numerous millionaires and billionaires, a societal classification that had no
room when China was a fully-fledged Communist nation. Fukuyama's projection that "we may be
witnessing the passing of a particular period of postwar history" is right on the dot. It may rightly be a
revolutionization of an ideological evolution and the "universalization of liberal democracy as the final
form of government." Although challenges to democracy are still evident in countries such as Burma
and Tibet, what is certain though, is that, liberal views are slowly creeping towards communist ideals in
that part of the civilized world.

The continent of Africa has also undergone similar transformations over the years. A political evolution
from what Guy Hermet (1978) described as "defacto-one party rule under 'pluralist' coercive
elections", to military dictatorships, and finally democratic systems of government emerged dominant
as the epitome of power structures across most African nations. The republics of Senegal, Mali,
Ghana, and South Africa, Mauritania, Guinea- Bissau, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania
and numerous other African nations are living testaments to the aforementioned assertions. Challenges
may still remain in consolidating a number of democracies across the African continent. According to
Larry diamond democracies in the developing world are "blighted by multiple forms of bad
governance: abusive police and security forces, domineering local oligarchies, incompetent and
indifferent state bureaucracies, corrupt and inaccessible judiciaries and venal ruling elites who are
contemptuous of the rule of law and accountable to no one but themselves." African democracies such
as that of Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Sudan are living testaments to the
aforementioned validity. In most cases, the consolidation of "executive powers" by autocratic
incumbents, the intimidation of the opposition, the "rigging of the electoral process" have become the
most common challenges to democracy in the developing world. The 2006-2007 presidential and
parliamentary elections in The Gambia, the most recent presidential and parliamentary elections in both
Zimbabwe and Kenya further speaks volume in that direction. In spite of all such challenges, the
majority of Africans still embrace democracy as the best form of human governance, therefore
keeping Francis Fukayama's assertion right on the dot.

Political activity in Latin America have also not only put autocrats and dictators on the spot light , but
also strengthened Mr. Fukuyama's contention about liberal democracy as the dominant political
ideology. Communism in the 1970's was defeated following strings of military coups across the
continent. During those days many remained skeptical about how democracy could survive over
military dictatorships. Following decades rule of such dictatorships, democracy finally emerged
triumphant as the dominant ideology across the continent. Although many scholars may rightfully argue
that Latin American democracy is marked by a shift on the left of the political landscape; democratic
ideals continue to be the beacon of the continents political activity. Today countries such as Brazil,
Argentina, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru and other's continue to
embrace democracy over all other political ideologies. The most recent elections in Paraguay marked
a watershed in the history of the country. The elections ended the reign of the decades ruling Colorado
Party. Although the victory was seen as a shift to the "left" by another Latin American country, one
could argue that it is still a victory for democracy. Even the December 2nd 2007 referendum in
Venezuela that unveiled President Hugo Chavez's first electoral defeat on his proposed constitutional
reforms, is a manifestation of democracy tightening the noose over other political ideologies.
According to Francisco Rodriguez, "Such reforms would have expanded executive powers, gotten rid
of presidential term limits, and paved the way for the construction of a socialist economy." To all those
skeptics of Francis Fukuyama: Was this not a victory for Liberal democracy? The defeat of President
Hugo Chavez in that referendum marked a turning point for all such skeptics.

It is also largely due to democratic ideals and values that has set many Latin American nations on the
path of visiting horrors of the past. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have today set up
truth commissions that are investigating and prosecuting serious violations of human rights under their
respective former autocratic and totalitarian regimes. This could be contended to be the undisputable
victory of democracy, as a fundamental driving force that laid the foundation for such great institutions
of governance. Even Cuba that is still a communist state has embarked on adopting some basic liberal
market principles in her economic activities. Today, Cuban citizens can own mobile phones,
computers and private farm lands; a prominent economic principle of all thriving democracies.

Although scholars differ on Francis Fukuyama's assertion of democracy as the dominant political
ideology, many would however contend that most people across the world prefer democracy as the
genuine political ideology for mankind. Even the Middle East where a predominant monarchical
system of government and culture is in conflict with most democratic values, the adoption of liberal
democratic market values has become no hidden agenda. Examples could be found in countries such
as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Fukuyama's contention is therefore on
track that "a remarkable consensus concerning the legitimacy of liberal democracy as a system of
government had emerged throughout the world over the past few years. It has conquered rival
ideologies like hereditary monarchy, fascism, and most recently communism." Today it is also shaking
the worlds remaining tyrants and "elected autocrats" such as in Burma, The Gambia, Zimbabwe and
Venezuela.
.......................................Interview
..FORMER AMBASSADOR
.......SEY'S EXCLUSIVE
..................................................................May 4th, 2008
Talking to Gainako at his US residence, former Gambian ambassador to the
US, Mr. Essa Bokar Sey, a renowned scholar of literature rehearsed in another
moment his love for writing. Among other things, Mr. Sey clarified his parting
with Gambia's current administrator Yaya Jammeh, talked about his life, his
family and his love of African literature.

What is certain with the former ambassador; he among others has turned out
to be constantly raising critical issues with Jammeh's administration, Mr. Sey
is no silent man in the society. His poetry and prose is are a contsant features
in many media outlets. Constantly circulated around touching on different
areas of life. Mr. Sey is an eloquent one, a man constantly pouncing on Jammeh
with all his might, a knowledge of which began at the military barracks as a
young soldier. Not enough at that, he is also fluent in English, French and most
Gambian languages. In this Tell-All interview Mr. Sey explains some of the
allegations surrounding him during his tenure as Gambian ambasador to the U.S

Below is the exclusive interview:

GON: Hello Mr. Sey and how are you today?

Mr. SEY: Am doing fine my good brother Yero Jallow Jeyrih!(LAUGHTER)

GON: As a guest of Gainako today, share with our readers a little bit about yourself.

Mr. SEY: My name is Essa Bokarr Sey I was born in a family of farmers,educators and shepherds
(your paper's name in fulani Gainakos). I attended Kuntaya Primary then proceeded to Armitage High
School, after that,joined the then gendarmerie(now Gambia National Army) where I served for 5
years before being honourably discharged from active military duties at the rank of a sergeant (in US
system called Master Sergeant). From there I attended the Gambia College School of educationthen
proceeded to France Besancon.. I returned to The Gambia in 1993. I was offered a job at the
Department of State for foreign affairs as protocol welfare officer in october 1993. Served in that
capacity until I was posted to France in 1995 as First secretary. Stayed in that position until I was
promoted and transfered to the Gambia's permanent mission in New York in 1998. Stayed there until
1999 when I was promoted to Ambassador of The Gambia to France with concurrent accreditation
to Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Russia, Hungary, Spain and UNESCO. Stayed in that until I was
transfered to The Rep of China on Taiwan in 2001. In august 2002 I was posted to Washington DC
as The Gambia's Ambassador where I served until 2003 June. That ended my tour of duty and life
span in the diplomatic field of the current regime. Life moved on. I stayed in Texas state where I
started my old teaching profession again in 2003. I taught for the Hurst Euless Bedford Independent
school district until 2005. I june 2005 I was offered a similar position to teach at the Jefferson County
Public Schools Louisville metropolitan area until 2006 where I served till I started a new position with
the Bank of America cooperate office merchant services. Today I am serving the bank at a senior
level. Well Yero I hope this marathon explanation gives a brief account of myself, my origin and my
life as the son of a fulani farmer.

GON: You have an opportunity to speak French and English fluently, along side most Gambian
languages. What do you make of it?

Mr. SEY: I make a lot of good use out of that achievement God blessed me with. In fact my
current job is one of those where my ability to speak different languages is highly appreciated. I do
also use these languages with a companny called Languages International. This is a service that offers
contracts to certified interpreters (which I am). I do those contracts during my off days because it
pays a lot too. Sometimes I do translations (word format). Both bear charges but the latter pays
more as writing the texts is more tedious sometimes. Recently I have not been doing that because of
my responsibilities at the bank of America cooperate office merchant services.

GON: Your literature is timely displayed on Freedom Newspaper. Now you have decided to
widen scope to Gainako as well. What's your relation with Freedom and editor Mbai?

Mr. SEY: Oh ever since I started working with Pa Nderry Mbai we have been best of friends.
When ever you run these poems,he runs them too. Pa Nderry is one of my best comrades in this
political struggle. Pa Nderry and I speak almost two to three times in a day. We consult exchange
ideas and feelings on pertinent issues. He cares so much about me and my family. So do I care about
his too. I have come to realise that Pa Nderry is a highly disciplined person who gives me so much
respect. My relationship with the freedomnewspaper is cordial,professional and also based on the
perimeters of national development. Alongside I do send poems to Senegal and to France etc etc.
There are instances where my poems or articles are featured on journals like the "Alliance
Panafricaniste..." a journal published in French. You know Yero I like writing and sharing thoughts.
This is why I read everything other Gambian authors write online. Likewise I have other pals who are
Americans I work with along those lines. Do I say more...?(LAUGHTER)

GON: You were a former military man turned teacher and now a political activist. Tell us the
transformations leading to where you are today and the different portfolios you handled in the Gambia
starting from your days at the military barracks to where your life stands now.

Mr. SEY: I will refer you to my answer of the question right from the beginning of the interview.
I knew you would ask me this one(LAUGHTER). Yero I like the last part of your question ie
"where life stands now.....". That is so philosophical! I like it! This is why I gave a similar
explanation to that effect in my first answer.

GON: You were close to Jammeh at the military barracks. Were there any early signs seen in him to
have prevented today's Gambia under Jammeh?

Mr. SEY: You know when ever I hear the name Yahya Jammeh it makes me feel the past.The past
is like a huge mirror before the living. Those of us who are alive see what reflects from that huge
mirror. Such reflections can either affect us the living ones or the dead. Now that Yahya and I are still
alive in this same world,I cannot reject his name in my past. Yes Yahya was a friend in the army. He
cannot deny one thing,that is he himself initiated inviting me to live at his (then) place in dormitry F. He
knows where this place is.During those days Yahya was not pompous. He was well known for saying
or doing strange things like dressing "wild" etc but never did I see him as I hear or feel today about
him. Anyway like in life characters change. Many times people grow and grow through different
patterns. If there were early signals seen in Yahya to prevent today? I hope Kebba Ceesay the former
head of the NSS could help us on that one Alhaji Yero....(LAUGHTER). My believe is that Yahya like
any citizen has the right to become a president. However,on the other hand I would say this once
again I DO NOT HATE YAHYA. If we have differences its simply based on difference in political
opinion. If HE HATES ME that is his own problem and Yahya Jammeh knows that Essa will be the
last person to dance to his tunes for no reason. All I can say is that the reasons that brought today's
political climate stem from so many angles. The Gambia is one of the last hopes for Africa when it
comes to ravaging civil wars. Therefore it is a collective duty before all of us to maintain that. Indeed
Yahya Jammeh has a great part to play here as well. He should stop his ways of seeing a messiah in
him while delivering his duties. He is no messiah he is simply a political product from a growing nation.
Messiahs do not rule republics messiahs are ordained by God or Allah to spread the word of faith to
people without guards,budgets and protocols attached. This is where I would never compromise with
Yahya if he so chooses to be seen as a messiah. Yahya should also forget about growing angry against
critics or saying he made so and so what they are today! Therefore they should not go against him. I
have received so many private emails from his so-called agents saying to me Yahya made you what
you are today. This does not anger me because I know Allah knows what many do not know
between me and Yahya. It makes me want to meet Yahya and those people one day therefore ask
Yahya in their presence if him Yahya would have posted me to France if he did not expect me to help
his government at its embryonic stage? I would also ask Yahya if he is the one who paid for me to
learn French? I will also ask Yahya in their presence if he was there when Bokarr Sey was toiling in
the farms of Kuntaya to feed me? Going by his recorded birth day I was born two years before
Yahya then how could he make me or anyone what they are? You see this is where he is being misled
by his stooges very seriously. Now what happened? I have left Yahya since 2003. Am I not serving
other institutions and places where competetion means professional performance much more than
what obtains in the Gambia government? Of course Yahya himself knows that! He knows who
Essa is and what I can do. Allah says in the Qur'an "Yarr zuqu mann yashaa'u Illaa maa
shaa Allah" "I will bless anyone with my luck at anytime it pleases me" That is the Allah
who guides me,you and Yahya. I want him to stop calling himself a messiah who designs luck for
people. That is false! Allah did not give that grade to Muhammad(SAW) let alone anyone else.
Therefore stopping Yahya to become a president is beyond my powers as a believer. However,let
him also know that him thinking he can stop Essa or anyone else's stars from shining is as false and
falacy itself. You know Yero I really do not care about how someone like Yahya feels when I am
speaking about the powers of Allah. All I see is faith and truth period.

GON: Mr. Sey, who is Jammeh and what kind of a person is he?

Mr. SEY: Are you asking about Jammeh before 1994 or Jammeh after 2001? (LAUGHTER).
Before 1994 the Jammeh I knew was an army youngster struggling to make ends meet like any
other Gambian youth. He was a great debator that much I can say. He also loved listening
to reggae music and doing judo. He loved marathon running with my batch at the then gendarmerie. I
knew him as quick tempered person too. I also knew him as someone who stood to side with new
recuits who were being bullied by officers in the force. I am speaking for the sake of Allah not politics.
The bad side of Yahya then is still what I don't like about him now. He has always believed that he has
super natural powers. I have been challenging that since we were in the army together. Yahya has to
stop that way of thinking. Over throwing Jawara cannot automatically qualify him as colossal giant with
wings before someone like me. Does he know what others have with them? Does he? It is that side of
his character I cannot stand! Thats the Yahya I know. Otherwise Yero I think he has the right to be a
president like any other person does. He should also think of term limits and leave in an honourable
way sooner than later! He is still young and has a long way to go even if he is no longer a president.

GON: There is a great intellectual brain-drain in the Gambia currently. Why can't your likes go and
help uplift Jammeh on his poor administration of Gambia's affairs?

Mr. SEY: In my book intellectual means: understanding plus intelligence. The brain-drain Yero
includes journalists or participants like you Yero Jallow ,Pa Nderry Mbai, Bubacarr Ceesay, Binneh
Minteh, Omar Jallow, Mathew Jallow, Ebrima Sankareh, Yankuba Jadama, Sarjo Bayang, Ndongo
Sillah, Mbye Sarr, George Sarr, Saul Khan, Baba Galleh Jallow, Dr Ebrima Ceesay, Karamba
Touray, Sigga Jagne, others and others. All these are very smart people who can help The Gambia in
all aspects. Whether under Yahya Jammeh or under another administration, I think The Gambia needs
all these brains here and there. Lets say people like Dr Abdoulie Saine, Dr Suleymane Nyang, Dr
Solomon Gomez, Lamin Sarr and Uncle Ousman Sillah and Amie Joof Cole are very good assets for
The Gambia my brother. All these are good people and highly respected intellectuals the world over.
We must jump over the hurdles of trivialities therefore recognise the nation's interest in all this. I feel
sorry for our homeland when I see all these brains serving abroad. Why this unjustified "rejection"
from the current government after all? Let them open up the boxes of dialogue and stop the "personal
feelings". All these Gambian sons and daughters abroad love their country very much. I met
them,spoke with them and I know how much they love their country. Is Yahya listening to the
opposition in Dakar these days? Is he? Let him listen to whats happening there and compare that to
whats happening in The Gambia? Will he tolerate that?

GON: It is alleged that you made some comments about the students demonstrators of April 10th &
11th which many found unpleasant. Could you please shed light on this and what exactly were the
particular comments? What do you think true justice will be for those victims of the student
demonstration?

Mr. SEY: You know Yero this is one of those "references" that will ever stay in my legacy. Like
any other person I cannot escape all ways and angles of criticism. In fact I did not make a mistake per
se,all I was saying in Paris(then)was for some people to wait and here more before making
judgements online. I have been proven right Yero. Today who or what do we refer to in this case?
The coroner's findings and the pathologist's results! That is all I was driving at. Some people resorted
to insults. I reacted. Like am saying about Yahya the same goes to others. I will never sit and accept
being bullied by someone's irate behaviour for the sake of peer pressure. I am a free man who
respects others therefore expect to be respected in return. Ok I will admit that all pieces were not
placed before me by the government I was representing at the time but on the other I was prudent to
call for calm and investigations!. Therefore trying to make sense during such a heated debate were
people lost their kids was so difficult. I was victim of misinformation and timing. However,to those
who said Essa was happy to see the students killed? I think Yero we all know "enemies" exist. I am
not immune from those "enemies" like you and others aren't too. I care less about such people
because I know what I did for some of those who lost loved ones in the past. My politics is that one
which calls for PRODUCTION vs POPULARITY. I prefer the former not the latter. In fact one
person was shot at the beach some years back, his father is currently in Paris. The last name is
Susso(1st name witheld). Those who care can call the Father and ask him what I did for their family
after their son was killed by trigger-happy armed men? You know Yero in politics one cannot escape
such days and hours of confusion or misinformation while serving. I know legally and personally I did
not support the killing of anyone. That much I am proud to say. This is something I am saying right
here in the open. I have been screened and tested beyond any reasonble doubt on that so I am here to
confirm it without hesitation. Who screened me or who tested me? Those who did it know who they
are! My comments and the reactions I received are in the archives of the gambia-l interested parties
can refer to those. YERO I swear by Allah if I were wrong I would apologize right here! But I will
never apologize to anyone on that one because I knew there were parties ready to spray my
comments with deadly fungi (laughter)at the time.

GON: It is further alleged that during your tenure as an ambassador in Washington DC, you
reported Jammeh?s critics then as terrorists ? to the level of the US state department. How true is this
one also?

Mr. SEY: Alleged? Thats interesting Yero. Well I also heard that I reported some for deportation
too? Didn't you hear that also? I aslo heard I was not fired which was on the washington post? I also
read on the daily observer(then not now) that I was removed from my position for undisclosed
reasons? I also heard and read that I escaped with embassy furniture and embassy credit cards?
Furniture that I bought from Taiwan getting ready to go back and occupy a residence I bought in The
Gambia with my family. . Afterwards I was transfered to DC. Those receipts and traces are still on
record Yero. I also heard that I was roaming the streets jobless? Didn't you hear that as well Yero?
You know my good brother Saikou Mballow stopped that nonsense on my behalf. He warned all
parties to meet him in DC so that they can go to the state department and find out if I reported
anyone? Who turned up? No one. Saikou called me personally and said to me in very clear terms that
he was going to get to the facts. And he warned me again that if I did it, then he would lead a fight
against me. He later did his own investigations, came back to me saying he was waiting for anyone to
say that nonsense again. Then he would call that person a liar. Yero it is only Allah who can clean or
stain anyone's image. I am not the least worried about such madness my brother. You know Yero the
easiest thing one can do in politics is sending whirling accusations against others. The hardest is to
prove the said content otherwise. Yero anyone who spreads such rumours is a real novice in the field
of intelligence gathering or mature politics. If I were to be them I would not use that route. The state
department is not like state house in Banjul. They are free to share information with wronged parties.
There are Gambian-US citrizens who are here. Why would they not use their powers as citizens thus
find out if I did that against any of their relatives, then take me to face the law?

They have the legal power to do so. Why not try using facts instead of fiction? The state department
will never favour Essa against anyone if Essa is caught red handed doing evil things against others. You
know in this age of global security if anyone is saying something you must be ready to back it up with
facts. If ever anyone is found wanting to stain people's names for no reason especially where it
concerns false information related to security it means bad fate for the one misinforming the parties at
hand. Do you think that person will pass all tests of time? Do you? Who am I to give false information
against those Gambian (cooked up names) and then stay here writing everyday without being
questioned? Yero you see some of us are so much into hate that, whatever we hear we take it in.... as
far as it is against someone we hate or dislike. That is not a good way to fight someone. However
much some people do not like Essa let them also not be blinded by that hatred to the extend where
they will lose following a shining path of facts! That cannot stop me from being successful in what I do
neither would it ever stop me from reaching my destination, Allah willing.

GON: Among the many critics of Jammeh, you (Mr. Sey) but Jammeh was your friend or let me say
workmate for a long time. Is this betrayal from your end by any how or is it betray from Jammeh's
end?

Mr. SEY: Is it? (LAUGHTER) Anyway my answers earlier on have said it all. I was not betrayed by
Yahya because I knew one day or the other we were going to part. I could not say where and when
but the signs were there all along the way. I hope Jammeh is not the one saying I betrayed him? I did
not betray him because if I had betrayed him in the real sense of the word he would have seen more
unpleasant things from my side. This is no political bluff I mean it Yero. God or Allah has given each
one of us certain things the other does not have. Yero I will say here loud and clear I have good
contacts that can dent Jammeh's regime if I really was so eager to do so. Yes I do have that my
brother. Why do we make easy targets out of people who left Jammeh by always seeing them as
those who lost because they are no longer in the government? No Yero! I Essa would stand to be
counted! Let people say am blowing my own trumpet I would care less here because it is about
Yahya and the people he has parted with. I am different. I do not feel betrayed or disappointed. I did
not lose anything,instead my departure was a blessing in dsiguise Alhaji Yero. Working under the
government will always make others see one as a trailer being pulled by a powerful machine. Now the
best part is when one leaves Yahya and is still able to prove to the whole world that he or she is being
propelled by his or her own know how but not leaning on Yahya with the help of Allah. Yero in fact I
regret why I did not leave earlier. Thats it Yero Pulloh Jeyrih! No mincing of words on that side of
my life's story anymore! Am pretty sure Yahya also is steering his state the way he likes it now so
thats it. Am gone,he is still there with others. God said so not me or him.

GON: You have written a lot of literature. The younger ones honestly look up to the many like you.
Do you by chance have any plans to compile it any time soon?

Mr. SEY: Thanks for the compliments my good brother. Younger ones??? Am I old? LAUGHTER.
Yero I am still young because I am Obama's age okay? Do not put me above the younger ones
(LAUGTHER). Yes at the moment am writing another book titled: HARMATTAN POEMS. As soon
as it is ready (manuscript) I will contact you and others. You write very good peoms too Yero!

GON: Among your favorite men? Hampateh Ba. Tell us a little about his life and your love for his
literature works.

Mr. SEY: Amadou Hampathe Ba is tree of knowlegde and an oasis of fresh air for us as Africans.
He rose from the hills and hillocks of fulani terrains. He has written so much. The most amazing part of
Amadou's legacy is the respect he earned himself and our African intellectuals within sophisticated
arenas like UNESCO. I remember meeting someone in UNESCO who knew Amadou Hampathe
personally. We had a long chat on that day. Amadou Hampathe Ba is someone who blended the
power of African traditional teachings with the linguistics produced by western alphabets. His name
grew not because he had a pile of degrees. His name grew because he understood how to insert the
teachings of traditional African beliefs or to be more specific fulani ones into the essence of universal
philosophy. For me he is mentor,a father, a teacher and an African elder. Writers like Amadou
Hampathe Ba dismissed the idea that oral history is not good history. This is what we were taught by
the western way,however, I never believed this notion. He came to reconnfirm my position. If
Literature is "lachiri" or couscous's name in fulani,Amadou's writings are the "laalo" or the dry
baobab leaves we use to make the couscous more palatable. (LAUGHTER).

GON: You wrote a touching piece about your disabled son. This is among the best pieces you have
written ever, owing to the fact that many people won't be comfortable putting their private lives on
newspapers. See in a life time, Nelson Mandela mourned his late son as an Aids patient. How does
young Baba's life fit in your busy schedule?

Mr. SEY: You know Yero Baba's case is not private life. I see him as a sample to share with
helpless parents who are nursing children like him at home. In fact as recent as monday Baba's life has
experienced more changes for the positive. He has finally received his motorized wheel chair. It's
expensive but we have it now. It is at the cost of $10,000.00. The therapists taught he could be given
a chance to walk but after a while they recommended that we buy one. I thank Allah for providing for
me and my family through hard work. My wife is also a very helpful lady. She has been there to
complement my efforts on all sides! I am praying for her and my mother also has been praying for
her. There are people out there ready to stand by Baba alongside. He performs well at school. He is
graduating from middle school on may 23rd. You know what Baba asked for? Two suits and a big
party at home. He will put on one suit then go to school for the end of year graduation with his gown.
The other suit he will put on during the house-family party. He also asked me to buy a seperate suit for
his little brother Bokarr Sey (Jr). Bokarr is sportive and so good at basket and soccer. You see Allah
has taught me a good lesson on that one. My first son is disabled cannot walk or talk. The one after
him is strong sportive and helps the brother do so many things in the house nowadays. Both of
them are computer gurus therefore use it a lot doing so many things technically. Yero I will always
spare time for Baba. Like I always say to his teacher. Baba did not choose to be born a disable child.
Therefore we are tasked by Allah to take of care of him. I feel honoured to be compared with a great
man like Nelson Mandela in this case. If Mandela can have time why not Essa? Mandela is like an
ocean near me If I am to see myself as a stream! (LAUGHTER). I am praying for him our old grandpa of
Africa. I will pray for his lost son to be received in heaven by Allah or God.

GON: The oppositions are divided right now. Many like you can play a part in unification. What is
the clock reading at your end?

Mr. SEY: I was really encouraged by what Halifa Sallah wrote two days ago about moving on.
The things he outlined are very important. I also want the opposition to study the terrain this time thus
see where the best interest lies. We can even bring in a completely new face,sponsor him or her to run
against the incumbent. On my side if need be I will join any group to raise funds from all corners of the
world. We must start now! Like you said unity is the issue here not know how. Lets UNITE against
all odds for goodness sake. None will stand to gain where disunity and endless suspicion is reigning.
Groups who are calling for serious opposition should always inform the public before meeting any
where. We have so many active online papers who can publicise such meetings at no cost to anyone.
Saikou Mballow is very active. Him and others who have experience in that regard can also organize
a good meeting where we can meet,discuss and synchronise with other parties. Certainly we can have
venues to accomodate people free of charge. I will sponsor all the drinks,ice and stationery if I am
informed at least three weeks before time. I will also attend and help raise funds by using my
professional background. I know there are many more Gambians who can evern do more than I can
to that effect. Lets join hands and forces to be heard and seen. Look at Senegal today. A former Joof
PM Tanor is leading the fight. Was he not there before? Yes he was there with Joof. Does that
exlcude him now that Joof is gone? No. Performance is not about the one we like,performance is
about who is ready to participate period!

GON: By the way, any word to Gainako editors' in terms of improvement, coverage scope,
editorial policy, et cetera?

Mr. SEY: Yero you are one person I like a lot. Your aura shows me a person who is humble and
natural. I do also appreciate the unity that exists between you and Pa Nderry Mbai if one is to go by
the indications I see. He sent you a good piece during your GON'S yearly celebrations. You sent him
a good one too. That really makes me so happy. This is the culture I want you to maintain at all cost.
About the editorial and coverage scope I think your presentation is "palatable" for me and others. I
like the lay out and the colours. The only thing I want out is my current picture (LAUGHTER) I look too
fat on that one my brother(LAUGHTER). Thats why I will send you another one today. Yero life is a
huge classroom where we will be learning new things everyday.

GON: Mr. Sey, thanks for granting Gainako an interview. Gainako continually reach out to people
others as guests on certain topics and others on interviews.

Mr. SEY: Thank You Yero! My poems are here for all,my interviews are not for sale (LAUGHTER),
my writings are a passion inside my very soul. So be rest assured I am a brother and will always stay a
brother! Keep it up all Gambian journalists! GOD BLESS THE GAMBIA AND ITS PEOPLE!

........The WATCHMAN on SANKANU
....................................Bubacar Sankanu Has No Shame!!
...............................By The Watchman.........................May 4th, 2008
Gambia's most amusing comedian is putting on a show again.
In a recent shameless self-promotion of an "interview" given to
an online news outlet, Bubacar Sankanu rambled on and on
about his immense capabilities and projects and how, to sum it
all up, he was God's gift to all of The Gambia. In sophistic and
misleading language, Mr. Sankanu made an argument for his
ambiguous stance on the Jammeh misadventure in The Gambia
that could be best classified as antinomian.

To be antinomian means "opposed to or denying the fixed meaning or universal applicability of moral
law". Sankanu, by dint of his useless edicts, has granted the Gambian government a free pass on moral
judgment because the Gambian people have "voted" for Yahya Jammeh thrice over and deserve what
they have. He willfully suppresses the glaring factoid that shows the Gambian government to be
Stalinist in nature. What is even more tragic about Sankanu's big mouth is that during the course of the
"interview", it did not at once even mention the plight of Fatou Jaw Manneh a fellow journalist and
compatriot.

Throughout his delusional proclamations, Sankanu mentioned how he was the world's greatest judicial
mind, how he would indulge the president to promote the arts and how if he had to return to The
Gambia in the name of service and love of country, he would be taking a massive compensation
deduction vis-�-vis his salary. Clown Sankanu mouthed off many other jokes common in the pathetic
language of universal buffoonery but only a few will be dissected here. "Serene Prince" Sankanu's
silliness is so elongated that one could spend a lifetime trying to show him the benefits of common
sense.

First let's delve into the qualifications of lawyer/attorney/barrister Sankanu and the implications of how
he can use that vocation for the common good if at all he knows what it is. With Fatou Jaw Manneh
being bullied by Africa's seriously funniest regime in the APRC, why hasn't Sankanu delved into his
arsenal of legalese to spur fellow lawyers concerned with Human Rights and Press Freedom in Africa
to launch a vigorous petition to bring justice to bear in her case? Being such a prominent and great
mind in the affairs of intellectual property law, why hasn't he noticed that intellectual property rights
and their ensuing benefits are gestated, promoted and announced as a feature of particular societies by
an unfettered and necessary institution in all free societies, the media, of which Fatou Jaw Manneh is a
most honorable standard bearer? Intellectual Property is propagated by artists, writers, inventors,
institutions and yes, journalists. Inasmuch as it involves capitalistic ventures that generate money,
intellectual property is not only about bringing the cash in; it is enacted and enforced to protect the
originality, ownership and integrity of labor. Added emphasis should be made on integrity, a concept
alien to Mr. Sankanu.

Since he fancies himself the Cardinal Richelieu to Jammeh's Louis XIV, Sankanu actually believes the
Butcher of Banjul listens to him when he offers "advice". So he barks out suggestions on how the
National Council on Arts and Culture should be operated to a dictator whose only appreciation for
creativity comes in the form of torture and music that praises his "magnificent" feats as a "dictator for
development". Yahya Jammeh is not beholden to or prone to taking advice from an untrustworthy and
shifty source that is Sankanu. He does what he likes. To Jammeh, "l'etat c'est moi", an attitude steeped
in the tradition of notorious European kings of yore and new kids on the block dictators of today. As
a proprietor, or whatever, of Afromedia Film & Television International Group, perhaps Sankanu
could have used his advantageous perch to document the plight of journalists in the dangerous
archipelago that repressive African governments confine them to. The reason why Sankanu has not
abdicated the spotlight to engage in an altruistic crusade for a fellow Gambian, a true hero to all who
work in media, Fatou Jaw Manneh, is because the whole episode won't be about him. When the
world begins to talk about the indomitable lady who is driving Yahya Jammeh absolutely nuts, who
will talk about Sankanu? According to the holy book of Sankanu, we all need to hear about him.
Anyone else, even a universally admired compatriot, is just a stepping stone to Sankanu being
mythologized. As we speak Sankanu is trying to convince the Vatican to paint his portrait on the
Sistine Chapel and they have been laughing to his face for about, let's see, 10 minutes now.

For all his talk about money and taking a pay cut to come back home and do us Gambians a huge
favor, Sankanu, with all his riches has really bad taste in women. If one had to choose between Fatou
Jaw Manneh and Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay, the unanimous choice, the primus inter pares, will be Ms.
Jaw Manneh. I am going to thread carefully and respectfully here because my discussion on this
subject is the context of platonic company, not the bawdy subtext proffered by clown Sankanu who
seemed like he was shaking with adolescent pubescence and yearning as he typed away his lurid
fantasies about the Rasputin of Gambia's State House, Ms. Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay. Now let's
examine the vast differences between these 2 ladies (or maybe 1 lady and a woman).

Fatou Jaw Manneh's eyes burn with an intensity that's hard to match. Her demeanor exudes dignity.
Her stance emanates fierce independence and her head is held high even when she is down. She is
exceedingly pretty naturally and her defiance in the face of despotism adds 360 degrees of beauty that
makes the Watchman want to pass out. This is the type of woman that will challenge any man
intellectually and speak her mind frankly. As for Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay, I'll make it short and
merciful: she is the polar opposite of all the qualities and adjectives that define the Athena of African
journalism, Ms. Manneh. I hope Sankanu learns from this short lesson in choice and reconsider what
he really needs to look for in a woman.

Mr. Sankanu has also described himself as a "raw egg that will not be tossed into a frying pan to make
an omelet" (paraphrased) but he seems to have at least acted like a coward in not continuing to debate
over ideas on the various online forums where Gambians of all stripes come over to argue, discuss,
fight then kiss and make up. Sankanu I know you are perusing this and I can already read your lips as
you scream: "I am Sankanu the Serene Prince! I can do whatever I want! To hell with The
Watchman!"

So childish
........A Cloud of Hope
....................................By Yero Jallow....................May 1st, 2008
Over the distant horizon skies
Appeared a mighty cloud of hope -unity
Ever the darkest promising cloud to form
With loud echoing thunder claps ablaze
And lightening that rainbows across skies
At a time when draught
Wilted mighty trees
And thirst killed humans
All but not the God to blame.

The sky lookers gathered around curious
The crippled crawled with hope of shine
The blind groped the glamour of love
In jubilation of the true cloud of hope
Not like the desert mirages of the oases
But optimism of true rains alas
That would shine the flowers of unity
Sway left, right �in fresh floating air
Attracting the nectar bees at buzz

With a louder echo
We heard in one chorus voice
"God is great! God is great!"
Resembling the mosque singers
Or that Obama wisdom
"Yes we can! Yes we can!"
At that point, all in one
Embraced the rains of unity
At once change began to shine.

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