Gainako Newspaper

On May 30th, 2008, we the external wing of the National Democratic
Action Movement (NDAM) tendered our collective resignation from
NDAM to the Secretary General, Lamin Waa Juwara.

This was a difficult decision on our side, given the principles upon which
we cultivated our comradeship and the potential that constantly struggled
to rise above the constraints of the lack of resources to contend with the
"status quo" at the genuine service of the people of Gambia. We are
under no illusions about the urgent need to change the wretched conditions
of Gambia's existence.

We deemed it highly principled to make our decision public information to be followed by a detailed
analysis of our opinion and position relating to Gambia's future.

Our action was as a consequence of unresolved internal contradictions within the movement due to
circumstances beyond our control, which were further compounded by distance; which became our
enemy.

We expressed our heartfelt gratitude to our brother Waa Juwara for not being a spectator when we
needed an ally to resist the blatant abrogation of our democratic rights by the AFPRC-APRC regime.

We know what he endured since these "tin soldiers" stormed into our lives and continue to perfect the
"government of patronage" with the clear intent of eroding our social fortitude to resist and challenge
tyranny and the political madness that pervades African life.

We assured Waa Juwara that, we don't make disposable friends; that there is no love lost but the
resistance must continue. We hope our paths will cross again in the struggle to liberate Africa, the only
logical conclusion to our freedom.

.........................................'TIL VICTORY ALWAYS!
Soffie Ceesay
Omar Joof
Mbaye Sarr
Ousainou Mbenga

.....GAMBIA SCORPIONS IN HIGH GEAR
...................By Solo, Banjul correspondent..................June 16th, 2008
Gambia�s National team, the Scorpions has not only humbled the Desert Warriors of Algeria 1-nil at
the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Saturday 11th June 2008 ascending them to first place of
Group-six but sent a signal to Senegal and Liberia that they have now turned a new leaf.

The scorpions drew with Liberia 1-1, drew with Senegal 0-O but beat Algeria to take the first place
pass Senegal in the group, making the Gambian fans thrilled once again. The win against Algeria has
boosted the morale of both players and fans alike and placed the team in a comfortable position to
fight on to qualify to either the World or Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010.

The fact that the scorpions failed to sting the wounded Teranga Lions at home who were minus one
due to a red card, made many fans to lose hope, but they did stung the Algerians and played them in
such a way that all skeptics are now convinced that they are a team to be reckoned with.

The scorpions are going to play Algeria on Friday 20th June in Blida, Algeria. The hypothesis is that if
Gambia manages a draw in Algeria and defeat Liberia on home ground, then the possibility of
qualifying straight away is there.

The scorpions� morale was boosted by the inclusion of Ousman Jallow of Al-Ain in the United Arab
Emirates, goal keeper Bajaha of Sweden and Pa Modou jagne of FC WILL IN Switzerland,
replacing Pa Saikou Kujabi who was under suspension for two yellow cards at Liberia and the game
with Senegal in Gambia. It will be difficult to say that the team�s resurgence is due to the entry of
Ousman Jallow but his participation certainly showed the lay man that the team has been injected with
new blood. His insistence to penetrate the opponent�s defense threatened the Algerians that they had
to stop him by all means and that was what earned him the penalty. It is this penalty kick which was
effectively converted by Mustapha Jarju alias Tubabo into an only and winning goal of these seemingly
small but poisonous scorpions.

So as it stands, the scorpions should maintain their comfortable position by either defeating the Desert
warriors in their own backyard or keep them at bay through a draw and use the supportive home
crowd advantage to mercilessly sting the Liberian lone stars in Banjul.

This and this alone would maintain them in their lead to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nation in Angola
in 2010 and pave their way to possibly qualify to the World Cup in South Africa 2010 without any
controversy. Can they? They said they can. Nothing is impossible.

In another development Senegal drew 2-2 with Liberia in Monrovia on Sunday,15th June putting them
in slight lead ahead of Gambia in Group six by a goal difference. Senegal scored three goals and
concedes two while Gambia scored two goals and concedes one.

......Opposition Newspaper Journalist Detained Overnight
....................................By MFWA................June 16th, 2008
Saikou Ceesay, a reporter with the Banjul-based opposition Foroyaa newspaper was on June 15,
2008 arrested and detained overnight in Kotu Police Station in Kombo province, about 11 kilometres
South/West of Banjul ,capital of Gambia.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) sources reported that Ceesay was arrested at the police
station while investigating the arrest and detention of pro-government Daily Observer managing
director, Dida Halake.

The sources said the journalist was taken to the Serious Crime Unit at the police headquarters in
Banjul the following day, where he was interrogated before being released on bail.

Even though he has not been charged with any offence, Ceesay had been asked to report to the police
on June 17.

Ceesay was reported to have been harassed and insulted while in detention. Meanwhile the Daily
Observer's managing director had also been granted bail.

ECOWAS Acknowledges the illegal detention of Chief Manneh
and orders his release : By MFWA..................June 16th, 2008
In a landmark decision delivered on June 5, 2008, The Community Court
of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
in Abuja, Nigeria declared the arrest and detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh
illegal and ordered the Gambian authorities to immediately release him.

By this decision the ECOWAS court dismisses the claims from the Gambian
side that Manneh was never in their custody.

The court ruled that the three judges presiding over the case also awarded
damages in the sum of US$ 100,000 in favour of Manneh against the Gambian government.

The ECOWAS court stated that it �has found that the applicant [Manneh] was arrested on July 11,
2006 by the Police Force of The Gambia and has since been detained incommunicado, and without
being charged�.

The court therefore ordered �that the Republic of the Gambia releases Chief Ebrima Manneh from
unlawful detention without any further delay� and that �the Republic of The Gambia pay the plaintiff
the sum of US$ 100,000 as damages�.

Manneh, a former reporter of the pro-government Banjul-based Daily Observer newspaper was
arrested at the Daily Observer premises in the presence of his colleagues. He has since been sighted
several times in the custody of state security personnel.

The regime of President Yahya Jammeh has consistently denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of
the journalist, and has demonstrated gross disrespect for the ECOWAS court by refusing to appear
throughout the proceedings. The judgement was therefore given without the testimonies of five state
agents who failed to make an appearance before the court on March 11, 2008.

The testimonies of the three plaintiff witnesses, two Gambian journalists and Professor Kwame
Karikari from MFWA, were consequently left uncontested.

A complaint was filed on behalf of Manneh by MFWA in June, 2007. The MFWA�s was represented
by a member of its Legal Defence Network, namely, a Nigerian prominent human rights lawyer, Femi
Falana

The complaint was filed to compel the Government of The Gambia to produce Manneh and to answer
for his arrest and subsequent disappearance.

MFWA welcomes this decision by the ECOWAS court. We therefore call on The Gambia to respect
and enforce the judgement in accordance with laid down procedures.

We also on other human rights advocacy organisations to demand of The Gambia government to
adhere to the court�s decision.

...........................................................Books
" LIFE OF THE RIVER GAMBIA " Launched.
The Hassan I. Jagne Exclusive: By Yero Jallow, Minnesota, USA�.June15th, 2008
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

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