Gainako Newspaper

Author Hassan I. Jagne launched his book on June 14th, 2008 in
Minnesota, USA. The book , which consists of 62 poems, is a
reflection of live Gambian cultural events dating back to the 60s
when Author Jagne started his long journey as a teacher, a veteran
educationist and pioneer of western education awareness in the
West African Country of The Gambia. ..(click HERE for more pictures)

The Theme of the book launching."A Cultureless man losses his
human identity"; and." A human being should have cultural identity."
Reflected the main teachings in the poetry book. According to the
author himself on the cover-page of the book. These poems are
varied in nature. They mainly deal with aspects of the Gambia
environment and culture, as the title of the book indicates.

The long night all started with a welcoming address from the moderator, Mrs. Awa Saidy-Mane,
veteran educationist and feminist, and a Quranic prayer from Oustaz Kawsu Darboe who also
resembled the book's achievement as what the Prophet of Islam described as "sadakatul jariyaa," a
continuous beneficial deed which follows believers as reward many years after they are gone.

This was quickly followed by a poem reading from the book by Mr. Jagne's seven-year old
granddaughter, Fatou Bin Bah who eloquently read a touching poem titled "Inflation Has Hit
Dogland." It was the most moving moment when she gave a tribute to her aging grandfather as
having authored the poem and demonstrating without hitches the teachings of the magnificent poem of
inflation.

Another poem "You Today We Tomorrow" was read jointly by Mr. Richard Camara and Yasai
Gueye.

A short play written by political activist Mr. Cherno Bah on "literacy and illiteracy" was acted. In
the play, the characters Samba (Mr. Alkali Yafaa), Kumba (Ms. Isatou Bah) and Pateh (the author of
this piece Yero Jallow) displayed a scenario where Samba who went to English school thought Pateh
was an illiterate. Pateh in turn who attended Arabic school thought Samba was ignorant by not
knowing that Arabic scripting is also a type of literacy. Kumba in her turn said both parties were
literate because one is versed in English and another in Arabic. According to the audience who
cheered and roared after the play, the short and beautiful play captured a notion deeply rooted in
many people. According to Kumba in the play, ignorant, which is Latin comes from ignora. This
means I do not know.

The program which attracted a large audience was also blessed with three speakers; a veteran
Senegalese woman educationist, Mrs. Nata Samb, Minnesota, USA; Author of the book, veteran
educationist Mr. Hassan I. Jagne; and Pan-africanist Mr. Momodou Lamin Sarr from Rhode Island,
USA.

Mrs. Nata Samb spoke highly of the African girl; the literacy rate and how education impacted lives,
more so in Africa. She used her own upbringing in Senegal from a large family to demonstrate some of
the problems that Africa faces as a challenge to girls Education. Mrs. Samb who owes her
achievement to her mother also shared with the audience by saying. " I don't know how my mother
did it because she has never been to school or sat in a class." She was also a little critical against
people using terms like "third-world countries" when referring to African countries.

"A nation without educated women cannot go anywhere. We are not going anywhere without
educated." Mrs. Samb reiterated, while laying emphasis for girls. Education.

At that point, the program has all been given to the ladies in the audience and a tussle between the
ladies and the men audience with questions targeted at Mrs. Samb. The moderator Mrs. Awa
Saidy-Mane known to be a feminist over time quickly sharpened her weaponry and noted. " The
saying that if you educate a girl, you educate a whole nation is a mere fact; and not just a mere notion.
That doesn't mean boys are marginalized ". The Moderator's intervention ended the night's tussle
between the ladies and the gentlemen.

Mr. Momodou L. Sarr in his part reviewed at least ten poems in the book and their historical
importance relating to African heritage. According to him, pilgrimage to Africa is way over due from
Diasporas, in what he described as the "reversed process. " In his review of the book, he described
Mr. Jagne as someone dutiful to his country; willing to take responsibility; and compassionate. He also
shared the author's different scholastic achievements.

Late in the night, a humble figure has stood before a cheering crowd. That was the night's man; a
veteran educationist; former principal of Gambia High school; one of the proprietors of Institute for
Continuing education (ICE) "one that spent his whole selfless life in teaching; the author of an African
poetry titled "The River Gambia."

In a touching tone, Mr. Jane said " I wish to express my gratitude to the organizers and the audience.
You have assisted me a lot. The sixty-two poems of this book essentially touch the culture of the
Gambia".

In review of his poetry, Mr. Jagne noted that people should preserve their cultural identities and his
memo is meant to give to Gambians and non-Gambians a historical account of our true culture, which
we are loosing, by the hour. "When two cultures clash, it is the weak one that blunts". Mr.
Jagne puzzled to the crowd.

He reviewed at least ten poems from his book and explained well their cultural morals. The book,
according to him, started with the poem, "The Inverted Question Mark" which is Africa in
picture, and ended the last poem in the book "Africa Today." That was a particular moment that
drew greater attention, cheers and roars from the audience.

A heated question and answer forum left Mr. Jagne sharpening spears and stranded in thoughts when
Mr. Lamin Sabally, formerly of the IEC questioned why Mr. Jagne never joined politics. In short and
joking mood, Mr. Jagne replied, "May be God didn't destine it yet" which sent the whole
audience into laughter, perhaps because the aging veteran educationist is now 75 years old. Another
questioner in the case of the Moderator Mrs. Awa Saidy asked Mr. Jagne of his favorite Music, the
reply of which is "Jazz," which sparked smiles across the audience with cheers, prior to what others
would think would be Quranic songs. Another questioner asked why the "Split Life" poem was not
a favorite to him. This was an emotional question and he did just fine when he answered. " That is a
tribute to my late wife. I will not do justice to her if I choose that as a favorite poem."

Attendees of the program described it very successful, including Mr. Lamin Sabally, formerly of the
IEC.

According to Mr. Pa Modou Ann, former Gambia's military major, "This is a historic event that
addressed all faces of our humanity, challenging us to be proactive and build tomorrow by handsomely
investing, especially the preservation of our cultural heritage. We owe our thanks and gratitude to Mr.
Jagne with his excellent book."

In a similar development, Gainako has been reliably informed that the book has been approved by
Gambia's education department for Grades 7 to 12 and it will be included in the curriculum.

...................................................................News
NEW COMPANY COMMENCES MINING
IN CARNEGIE MINING SITE;.By Solo...........June 14th, 2008
The Carnegie Mining Company which was said to be mining rutile, iron ore,
traces of uranium, ilmenite etc since 1995 and had been paying only $50
dollars to government for every metric tonne of the said minerals, had been
in court and charged for stealing and other economic crimes against the state.

While the people focus on the court case and continue to lament on the
reasons while the Jammeh regime would go into such a bad deal with a
foreign company without the knowledge of the parliament, another surrogate
company whose identity is yet to be established has started mining at the same
mining sites in Sanyang.

Eyewitnesses and other sources informed this reporter that the General Manager of this erstwhile
fictitious company is known only by the name of Tony and Tony is not ready to divulge anything about
his company but rather waiting for the state to bail the cat.

The General Manager who appears to be a Lebanese by nationality does seem to know about the
trouble that engulfs the Carnegie; that it is undergoing a bitter legal battle with the government.

The question circulating within the media circles is how come a new company is using the mining site
of another company who is battling a case with the government? What are the legal implications for
the state?; that if the Carnegie mineral company is a genuine internationally registered and recognized
company, could it not sue the Gambia Government as the GGC Alimenta did when they were
unlawfully and forcibly seized by the state and the government had to compensate them over 400
million dalasi from the tax payer's money.

Speculations abound that it is the proceeds from such mining operations which the Gambian president
referred to as his World Bank.

Shouldn't the government not learn from past mistakes?

.........................................................................Essay
.............YOO-HOO Inc
...........A Gambian Oasis & Market Place of Great Ideas
..............................By Momodou Laama Jallow......................June 12th, 2008
If there is any one single place that captures the imagination of the good people
of Raleigh, is YOO-HOO Inc. This popular establishment, the brainchild of two
extraordinary Gambian gentlemen functions primarily as an excellent business
center that provides critical services to a lot of people in the Diaspora. This
venue also serves a unique and rare purpose. That of a place or rather "The
Place" Gambians generally meet, discuses, solicit, seek advice, opinions, and
strategize on how to go about in their daily lives. In short the place serves as an
oasis, a much-needed one for that matter to a community that is proud of its
heritage and at times deeply nostalgic about its origin. Yoo-Hoo Inc is the
place to be on any given day.

This great venue commands a high degree of respect in this community and beyond. Hence it is no
surprise Yoo-Hoo Inc has been grace by many luminaries in the past. This includes musicians, artist,
politicians, religious leaders, and venture capitalists. Gambian visitors to Raleigh are routinely referred
to stop by Yoo-Hoo Inc. The place sometimes enables long lost friends to re-connect. This open
house policy also acts as an information-clearing house where all kinds of community events are
advertised and promoted. As a conduit the place allows anyone to advertise his or her services, and
or products. Consequently some have forged strategic partnership in business or otherwise and many
of these had evolved into lasting relationship.

Here on any given day, the level of talents and experienced present is astounding. You will find
businessmen, entrepreneurs, media moguls, students, mechanics, computer geeks, code breakers,
engineers, technicians, mathematicians, legal luminaries, state employees, business managers and good
old Gambian folk sitting together engage in fruitful discussions while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere.
This unique community experience is in essence the bond of our collective shared communality. This
place enables a sense of community and camaraderie to develop amongst people of different ethnic
groups, different ages and background. A phenomena that at time is auspiciously absent in the west.

The range of topics discussed here generally covers a wide variety of subjects, from the sacred to the
mundane. Some amazing ideas had been born out of this place. One such brilliant idea is the schematic
diagram for the design of a self-sustaining energy system, a much welcome development in this age of
high-energy cost. However there had been some ideas that are not so brilliant. One idea such as
levying a penalty for anyone whose voice is above a certain decibel during the heat of a debate is
simply funny if not outright bizarre and then there are those ideas perhaps best describe as being close
to purgatory.

Often the discussions are generally enlightening even tantalizing at times both in its depth and scope.
Generally these discussions usually many and varied do at times reveal the generation gap between the
participants. Great topics have been discussed and in the process people have learned a great deal
from each other, both young and old. One characteristics feature of Yoo-Hoo Inc is that there is no
restriction to the free flow of ideas. Consequently great knowledge had been disbursed in this
environment many of these with amazing anecdotal evidenced.

Yoo-Hoo Inc like any gathering is not without its local politics. However the establishment as an entity
had consistently maintained a non-partisan position. While on any given day people of different
political ideology would engage one another in fierce debates some vehemently putting their point of
views across and yet still respecting opposing and often conflicting view points. This place not only
served a melting pot for all kinds of ideas to interconnect and network but the venue also serves as a
respite, a refuge to many from at times the stressful day to day task of living in America. In some ways
the place offers comfort and to an extent a degree of normalcy closer to home- The Gambia. This
perhaps explains its captivating aura and overwhelming popularity and is no surprise the place is so
dear to the hearts of many Gambians in Raleigh.

This is the place since its inception, where the kettle "Barada" is always boiling and the proprietors of
this magnificent establishment have been kind and tolerant enough to welcome everyone, irrespective
of nationality, tribe, gender, political affiliation, and age. The people at Yoo-Hoo Inc over the years
have through their guidance; recommendation and suggestions immensely contributed towards the
welfare of the entire Gambian community in this great city. This achievement is not only a testament to
the genius of these extraordinary Gambians but their sacrifice is a shining and lasting tribute to people
of good will everywhere.

The author can be reached at Laama@gainako.com

......FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION DISCUSSED
...................................By Yero Jallow....................June 11th, 2008
Contributors mainly at the Gambia Post (www.gambiapost.net) and Bantaba (www.camara.dk)
have engaged in a fruitful discussion about Female genital mutilation, locally female circumcision. The
author of this piece is calling on others to weigh in the debate in order to establish a true "hold" on
this matter. Please join the healthy debate.

http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6229&whichpage=1

............Interview with Ismaila Ceesay
- Chairman, Organization of Gambians in
Stockholm (OGIS): By Alieu Khan......................June 10th, 2008
As Gambians in Sweden prepares for another cultural week Chairman Ismaila
talks about Gambians living in Sweden, the Gambian cultural week among
other things.

GON: Who is Ismaila Ceesay?

Mr. Ceesay: I was born in Brikama town in the late 70s. I did my
primary education in Brikama Primary School and my high school in
Freetown, Sierra Leone. I have a Bachelors degree in political science
from the University of Stockholm. I am the current chairman of the
Gambian Organisation in Stockholm.

GON: When did you travel to Sweden and what was the main motive
behind it?

Mr. Ceesay: I came to Sweden in the late 90s. Actually Sweden was not a country I had initially
wanted to travel to. My aim then, was to travel to the US or UK to complete my education.
Sometimes we are not masters of our destiny. However, I did not regret coming to Sweden, because
I have achieved a lot during my short stay in this country, and one of which is education

GON: What do you enjoy most about running The Gambian Organisation in Sweden (OGIS)
Generally, how big is OGIS?

Mr. Ceesay: There is nothing to enjoy in running OGIS at this present stage. We took over the
organisation at a stage when it was in a lot of mess. We knew we had a tough task ahead in
restructuring the organisation and at the same time reviving the interest of the Gambian community
towards the organisation. This was so hard, but with our stern determination and belief in what we
were doing we are making progress. Since we took over, we heard lot of discouraging comments
about how we would not succeed and that it is impossible to unite Gambians. I had always believed
that we could make a difference and so we did not let people dampen our spirits. I am sure we are on
the right track.

GON: Who came up with the idea for this organisation? What was the motivation behind OGIS?

Mr. Ceesay: The Gambian organisation in Sweden was formed by a group of Gambians residing
in Sweden in the 70s. To be precise, the organisation was legally registered in 1975. The aim of the
founders was to unite Gambians living in Sweden. The organisation became a complex entity with the
large influx of Gambians.

GON: What is the biggest challenge being the chairman of OGIS?

Mr. Ceesay: The biggest challenge I face as chairman of the Gambian organisation is the desire to
satisfy the individual needs of all Gambians in Stockholm. This is not possible to achieve so the
challenge is to create a platform where the voices of the people could be heard.

GON: Some older Gambians in Sweden felt it's not appropriate to have only young people in your
executive. What do you have to say about that?

Mr. Ceesay: I concur with them, because an enterprise, be it economic, political or social cannot
succeed without experienced people. The innovative minds of the youths and the experiences of the
older generation are needed in order to achieve our objectives. Our own was a unique situation and
so unique solutions were needed. We felt that they had done their share of it and it was a great job. A
new epoch was starting and we needed new faces and new capabilities. We needed people who are
committed with the drive and inclination to take the organisation into another level. Two things I would
like to clarify concerning this issue; the first is some elders were offered positions which they declined;
secondly, I had selected my committee without prejudice. What I needed were competent and loyal
people.

GON: How come the chairman selects his committee? Where is the general body that should be
vested with the power to do so?

Mr. Ceesay: The power of the general membership to elect the committee is stipulated in the
constitution. I am aware of this fact and what I did initially was to nominate people who I felt could do
the job, but there is another complexity attached to this. The OGIS membership base is weak. We
have less than twenty paying members out of a community of more than three thousand people. The
constitution states that only paying members are eligible to vote. I nominated the same people for the
executive committee and summoned a general meeting, so that members could have the chance to
either reject or accept the new committee through voting. Only few members came to the meeting and
those present endorsed the new executive committee.

GON: So will you agree with a widespread rumour that there is mistrust and disunity among
Gambians in Sweden?

Mr. Ceesay: I wouldn't use the terms mistrust and disunity. The Gambians in Sweden, especially
in Stockholm are very united. I would rather describe it as some kind of misunderstanding due to
some historical errors committed by previous members of the past committees. This misunderstanding
created an air of mistrust towards the organisation vis a vis some members of the community and so
this led to a confidential crisis within the general membership. With our efforts so far, some members
are starting to accept the reality and so the negative attitude towards the organisation is changing. We
are in the confidence building process which is the first phase of the process and some remarkable
success has been registered.

GON: What about disunity amongst Gambians themselves?

Mr. Ceesay: There is no disunity amongst Gambians residing in Stockholm. Through my personal
observation, what I can see is a community living in peace and harmony working hard to make ends
meet. The high sense of solidarity within Gambians here cannot be found in any other community of
Gambians within the Diaspora. It is obvious that we as humans might have our differences sometimes,
as mere mortals. Misunderstandings, which are a product of human relations, cannot be avoided but
they can be controlled and contained.

GON: The OGIS official website leaves much to be desired, when compared to that of the
Gambians in Finland Organisation. Are you looking into this?

Mr. Ceesay: The OGIS website is like a new born baby in the process of developing its faculties.
The site is still under construction and plans are underway to develop it into the main medium of
communication among Gambians in Sweden. The state of the website is of high priority to us and our
webmaster is working hard to make sure the site looks good the soonest possible time.

GON: Are all Gambian immigrants qualified to join OGIS?

Mr. Ceesay: That is a very good and important question. OGIS is for all Gambians living in
Sweden. When a new member decides to join us, questions are not asked about their status. We are
here to help and protect all Gambians, especially those in need. Our doors are open to all, regardless
of nationality, tribe, gender, or age

GON: How successful are Gambians in Sweden?

Mr. Ceesay: Naming a few successful Gambians in Sweden will be unfair. Sweden has hundreds
and thousands of successful Gambians. However, we are exceptionally proud of those Gambians who
promote the Gambian image in the Swedish media. Among these are Haddy Jallow, Pa Dembo
Touray, Adam Tensta, Alice Bah, Mary Ndiaye and many more whose successes cannot be
measured in quantity.

GON: Yaya Drammeh of Gothenburg is seemingly one of the intellectuals who I really admire. Is he
a member of OGIS?

Mr. Ceesay: Unfortunately no. May be he is a member of the Gambian association in Gothenburg
and the name does not ring a bell.

GON: So OGIS is only for Gambians in Stockholm?

Mr. Ceesay: Yes, that's correct. OGIS stands for the organisation of Gambians in Stockholm

GON: Is it a good idea to have different Gambian organisations in Sweden? I don't see any unity in
it?

Mr. Ceesay: That's a matter of opinion, but I think it is necessary in that we have a large
community of Gambians in Stockholm as well as in Gothenburg. Even in Norway, where the Gambian
community is relatively smaller than in Sweden, they have two organisations, one in Oslo and one in
Bergen. This has nothing to do with disunity, but rather, the aim and objectives to satisfy the needs of
the members living in different cities.

GON: Talking about Gambian cultural week, how far are you with your arrangements?

Mr. Ceesay: We have gone as far as necessary, so we are just waiting for the dates. All the
necessary arrangements have been done and we are now working hard for the marketing and
promotion.

GON: Why Senegalese star Pape Diouf, when we have lot of local talents back home that you can
introduce to Swedes and Gambians in Sweden?

Mr. Ceesay: It's not only Pape Diouf performing at the cultural week. Some talented Gambian
artists will be performing in our cultural night as well. In this year's cultural week, we are collaborating
with some organisations. The decision to bring Pape Diouf in the final party was not a unilateral
decision by OGIS. We would be proud to promote as many Gambians as possible, but our financial
inability can't offer us that opportunity,

GON: How many people are you expecting in this year's cultural week?

Mr. Ceesay: It's hard for me to predict the number of people attending this year's cultural week.
But I can make assumptions based on attendance from past cultural weeks. We are expecting guests
from Germany, Oslo, Finland, Gothenburg etc. The Gambian cultural week in Stockholm is a popular
Gambian gathering in Europe and particularly in Scandinavia. So we are expecting a huge turn out.

GON: Looking through your program of activities, I could see you have fashion show and music
concerts. Is this another opportunity for our sisters to portray their beauty?

Mr. Ceesay: The fashion show is open for both men and women. We will be having both male
and female fashioners. The aim is to display their talent and to promote and introduce the Gambian
cultural clothing. African dresses will be worn by the fashioners and as far as I am concerned, this is a
beautiful thing.

GON: Is the media invited?

Mr. Ceesay: It will be a pleasure to have the media join us as distinguished guest. The whole
Gambian community will be proud to have reporters like you join us to celebrate the cultural week.
The role of the media in Stockholm cannot be unnoticed. So on behalf of the Gambian community, the
OGIS executive and on my own behalf, we would like to extend an invitation to the media.

GON: What message do you have for your members and Gambians in other parts of Europe?

Mr. Ceesay: Unite, unite and unite. Being an immigrant in a foreign land can be very tough. We
need each other to make it through the day, the months and the years. Our survival depends on how
united we are. Strong Gambian communities can only be built on the foundations of unity. We can only
achieve success through unity. We should strive hard to contribute to the socio-economic
development of the Gambia. It is our responsibility as sons and daughters of the Gambia to either
individually or through organisations, help setup projects in the Gambia, thus complimenting
government's efforts.

GON: Than you very much for taking the time to speak to us.

Mr. Ceesay: It's my pleasure.

Ismaila Ceesay is unquestionably an eloquent Gambian youth leader. He holds a BA in Political
Science and was elected sometimes last year as chairman of the Organisation of Gambians in
Stockholm (OGIS). Despite being the youngest person to ever occupy that seat, he has already
started transforming the organisation into a much more vibrant one poised to adequately represent the
thousands of Gambians resident in the Swedish capital.

.................Tribute/Reflections
........The Dibba Effect
................................By Cherno Baba Jallow............June 9th, 2008
The metaphor is almost fitting: the late veteran politician Sheriff Mustapha
Dibba as the oak tree of Gambian opposition politics. To the botanically-
challenged, oak trees belong to the Beech family of flowering plants.
Agricultural scientists have been fascinated with the oak tree for its longevity
and aging productivity. Oak trees can live 200 or more years. They can
start bearing acorns when they are 20 or 50 years old. And by the time
they reach 70 to 80 years, oak trees are known to churn out a bumper-
harvest of acorns.

Dibba, who died Monday, June 2nd, at 71, didn't last long enough like an oak tree, but his politics
certainly lived long enough in the national imagination. He was conscious of both his compelling
relevance to Gambian politics and his gritty determination to remain visible in the quest for the seat of
Gambian presidential power. He stayed in the opposition camp for much of his political life and was
hoping, in the fullness of time, that the oak tree in him would bear fruits and actualize his
chief-executive aspirations.

At a rally in Dippa Kunda during the 1992 presidential election campaign, Dibba, donning his
emblematic white Ambassador Suit, exhorted a rapturous crowd to understand the difficulties plaguing
African opposition parties. He urged patience and compared himself to the then Senegalese
opposition leader and now president Abdoulaye Wade. Wade began running for the presidency in
1978 and finally winning it in 2000. Dibba likened Wade's electoral persistence to his. He displayed to
the crowd a whiff of self-confidence in his imminent triumph someday.

But the avalanche of the 22nd July 1994 military coup came and swept him away. Or he allowed to
be swept away. Dibba told the BBC he was now going on leave - a leave from politics, following the
suspension of political activities by the new military junta. His withdrawal would later prove politically
fatal. To be sure, the ban on political activity was constraining, but Dibba, being an elder statesman,
should have still availed himself of some relevancy during the transition period. A politician's survival
kit also includes being in constant, close proximity to the atmospherics of the moment. But Dibba was
distant. He was mostly out of the public domain and as a consequence, lost a lot of political capital in
terms of visibility and stature. And when the then military council Chairman Yahya Jammeh decreed
and disqualified all former politicians who worked in the former government from participating in the
new political dispensation, Dibba's presidential ambition received its death knell. If the military hadn't
willed it so, one wonders what the electoral terrain would have looked like with Jammeh and Dibba at
daggers drawn on the campaign trail.

Dibba or SM as some of his supporters affectionately called him had until 1994, shown a remarkable
resiliency as both a critic in the Gambian parliament and leader of the firebrand National Convention
Party. In parliament, he continuously raised important questions on matters of governance that made
national headlines. He was a thorn in the side of the PPP government. And he made his party an
important player in the political process. The NCP fielded candidates and went toe to toe with their
PPP counterparts even though the paucity of resources and scant public exposure always meant heavy
defeats for most of its candidates. But the NCP was still a force to reckon with. It showed a
remarkable tenacity during the Basse bye-election in 1987 when, against the juggernaut of the Banjul
PPP glitterati who swarmed the Basse campaign trail, the NCP candidate Ousainou Baldeh gave
former foreign affairs minister Omar Sey a run for his money. Baldeh lost by a paltry 50something
votes. Sey celebrated but it was a pyrrhic victory - a victory made possible thanks to sloshing funds
and behind-the-scenes maneuverings, not personal appeal and moral persuasion.

In the 1992 general elections, the NCP won five seats, a drop in the ocean considering a
36-constituency contest. Apart from the old guard Dibba and Bakau's Dembo "Byforce" Bojang, the
NCP brought in new faces in Majanko Samusa of Lower Baddibu, Alhaji M. Saidykhan of Eastern
Jarra and Ibrahim Janko F.B. Sanyang of Western Foni. The NCP had strong showings in other
constituency fights, with Karang Lang Jawneh of Western Wuli losing by a mere 422 votes. This was
the year the PPP lost some of its veterans - MC Cham in Tumana, Talib Bensouda in Niani and
Kebba Kawsu Jawara in Upper Fulladu West. Both the late Mathew Yaya Baldeh and Omar
Amadou Jallow (OJ) also had to fend off fierce opposition to their seats.

The NCP, whose leader ironically helped stifle the opposition United Party during the heyday of
Gambian independence, expanded the frontiers of multiparty politics and enlivened the political
landscape in The Gambia. But the party failed to wean itself off the politics of old. Like its enduring
PPP rival, the NCP operated from within the same cosmology of personality-driven politics. In a
dominant party polity like The Gambia, fledgling opposition parties like the NCP risk permanent
marginality if they merely become offshoots of the party in power. The NCP fielded candidates
nationwide, but it was limited in the arena of political discourse and program-centeredness. Personality
rather than the issues came to largely define the NCP and virtually the entire political culture at the
time. Dibba's charisma and steely resolve single-handedly helped prod the NCP along.

He was a politician of high standing. He mastered the intersections of politics and culture within the
framework of Gambian society. The game of politics was endearing to him and he helped make it a
national passion for Gambians. The political campaigns in the 1980s and early 1990s were oftentimes
intense and occasionally ill-tempered - but that was ok. Gambians were excited and passionate about
the political times. Dibba was, in no small measure, an important participant in the national nurturing of
Gambian participatory democracy.

Perhaps, Dibba will be best remembered for resigning his cabinet post following the so-called "Butut
Scandal." By Gambian leadership standards, this was a principled decision in a league of its own. It
was both classy and selfless. Dibba was a true public servant. For his unflinching patriotism, seminal
contribution to the democratic process and commendable service to the Gambian state, Dibba
deserves an important place in our nation's political history.

Years hence, chroniclers of Gambian society will apportion him this rightful place.

To write to the author, please send your comments to: chernobjallow@hotmail.com

...........................................
Copyright, 2006-2008: Gainako On-line Newspaper . Site Maintained by Gamway Computers