Gainako Newspaper

When a people are determined to put their heads together and work towards national unity and
development, nothing can stop them. Every generation has a moral obligation to think for themselves
and determine the way forward for their communities and people. A new generation of Gambians fully
conscious of the realities of our time and the challenges facing our nation have come up with a new
idea of working together to foster national unity and organize grassroots to strengthen our communities
and nation as a whole.

In July 2007, a number of Gambian Organizations in the United States of America and Canada came
together to explore the possibility of forming A NON POLITICAL UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION
in the Americas. As stipulated in the Mission Statement, the Mission of this Organization shall be to
organize and strengthen Gambian Communities across the Americas; through grassroots organization
with a clear objective to encourage and motivate all Gambians to join their local branches which in
turn will work towards strong economic, educational, social and cultural projects.

We will accomplish this without compromise to our communities, environment and moral values.

PREAMBLE
Alliance of Gambian Associations in the Americas (AGAA) exist to promote unity between local
Gambian organizations; advocate for the rights of our citizens in the Americas and around the globe,
and to educate the American public about The Gambia while elevating the profile of The Gambia and
facilitate linkages between Gambians in the Diaspora and their host communities.

The Alliance of Gambian Associations in the Americas follows the highest ethical standards in
carrying out its mission. We are committed to encouraging professional competence and ethical
practices to booster our collective will towards national development. We realize that our strength lies
within our willingness to organize and break all barriers to strengthening our communities.

The following organizations have strongly embraced the idea, and we are proud to inform the general
public that all these organizations have committed to the cause and are actively involved in this historic
endeavor.

1. The Gambian Society in New York, (New York City)
2. Rhode Island Gambian Association (Rhode Island)
3. Minnesota Gambian Association (Minnesota)
4. Gambian Association in Toronto (Canada)
5. Gambian Association in Montreal (Canada)
6. Gambian Association in Memphis (Tennessee)
7. Gambian Association in Nashville (Tennessee)
8. Gambian Association in Phoenix (Arizona)
9. Gambian Association in Los Angeles (California)
10. Gambian Association in Raleigh (North Carolina)
11. Gambian Association in the Greater Kansas City (Kansas)
12. Gambian Association in Columbus (Ohio)
13. Gambian Youth Organization in New York (New York)
14. Gambian Association in Cincinnati (Ohio)
15. Gambia American Association in Maryland (Maryland)
16. Michigan Gambian Association (Michigan)
16. Atlanta Gambian Association for Emergency Relief Assistant (AGERA)
17. Seattle Gambian Association (Seattle, Washington)
18. Senegambia Association in Wisconsin (Wisconsin)
19. Gambian Texas Association (Dallas, Texas)

After series of conference calls and painstaking one-on-one discussions and consultations, the
members finally came up with draft By-Laws which now bind us together for a common goal. We are
now in the process of registering the organization in the State of New York where it will be
headquartered.

In addition to our aggressive telephone Out-Reach Drive, we sent out our first press release last year
which was published by several Gambian online newspapers. The cooperation of the media is highly
crucial in the success of this organization. We appreciate and solicit their partnership in this effort. It is
our humble believe that there are other great Organizations and individuals in all the fifty States who
have not yet come forward to share with us their thoughts and concerns, so that together we can make
history and better serve our people's interest both in the Diaspora and back in The Gambia. Your
feedback is highly solicited.

At this point, it is imperative to make it crystal clear to all that this organization does not accept
individual membership. It is an Organizational-Based-Membership. It simply means that one has to
belong to an existing organization that is properly registered with their State Government's Department
of State. The member organization must be in good standing with AGAA in order to receive any
benefits for its membership. Individual Gambians citizens are strongly urged to join their local
grassroots' organizations or form new organizations in States where there is no Gambian organization.
A community better serves its people by being organized.

In our April 20, 2008 meeting, members unanimously elected the following officials to serve as Interim
Executive and Organizing Committees respectively to formulate structures, complete the legal
registration of the AGAA and lay down a strong foundation for a new leadership to take over the
governing affairs of this organization.

INTERIM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
1. Kabba Joof--President (Rhode Island)
2. Pa. Saikou Kujabi--Secretary (New York)
3. Muctarr Jallow---Treasurer (Michigan)
4. Demba Baldeh---PRO (Seattle, Washington)
5. Sirmang Danjo--Other Official (Phoenix, Arizona)
6. Samba Baldeh---Other Official (Madison, Wisconsin)

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
1. Ousman Manjang---Chairman (Atlanta, Georgia)
2. Hassan Touray----Member (Dallas, Texas)
3. Pa Lamin Manneh--Member ( Seattle, Washington)
4. Wuyeh Sanneh----Member (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
5. Sherrifo Camara---Member (Toronto, Canada)
6. Fanding Saidykhan--Member (Toronto, Canada).

This communiqu� is intended to encourage all Gambian Organizations in the Americas to join without
delay, so that together we can make this pursue a dream come true. Be part of making history and let
the voices of your community be represented in this new movement. Time is of the essence, we cannot
wait any longer. Be a part of those willing to think for ourselves and address our own socio economic
problems.

A live face to face meeting of members is being planned to be held during the July 4th weekend
celebration in Atlanta. For venue and details, please contact Ousman Manjang or stay tune for
announcements during events in Atlanta.

For more information please email us at:

GambiaCommitteeMembersUSA@googlegroups.com or contact the following people:

Ousman Manjang, Atlanta, GA
Pa. Saikou Kujabi...New York
Hassan Touray.......Dallas Texas

GAMBIAN STRONG MAN ENDORSES
MUGABE; BRANDS TSVANGARAI �BLUE
EYED BOY" PUPPET OF THE WEST
....................By Solo, Banjul Correspondent....................July 4th, 2008
The Gambian president Yahya Jammeh has endorsed
the June 27 presidential elections in Zimbabwe as valid,
free and fair and branded the MDC party leader,
Morgan Tsvangarai as a �blue eye boy� �Puppet� of the
West.

In an interview with the GRTS reporter at the airport
upon his return from the AU summit meeting of heads
of states in Egypt�s red sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh
which lasted for two days, president Jammeh opined
that the summit meeting was not divisive on the
Zimbabwe issue but opined further that it showed those
who are working for the continent and those who are
working for the West.

Jammeh argued that the West did not condemn a recently held election in one East African country
which he said he would not name but which he said was described as not free and fair by all
institutions involved in the process, but as Jammeh puts it the west decided to be mute about it. He
said the aftermath of that election was marred by violence during which many people were killed,
thousands displaced and the end result was a unity government.

The Gambian leader said he accepts Mugabe�s re-election because as he opined it was lawful as the
country�s laws do not ban elections if a party decides to boycott.

This reporter sought the opinions of the ordinary people on the issue.

One sea man expressed the view that he supports Mugabe but noted that he does not have much
information on Zimbabwe to take a definitive position on the issue. He however said he blames the
British for reneging on the agreement to compensate white farmers so that land could be transferred
back to the original owners.

On election, he said he believes that Mugabe has lost the election and he was just forcing himself on
the Zimbabwean people. He added that he does not trust the MDC leader.

Another follower of the scene in Zimbabwe expressed surprise as to why the Gambian leader would
support a flawed electoral process like the Zimbabwe election, where people are beaten, tortured and
even killed. He argued that just because Kenya had a flawed election and the west did not say
anything about it does not mean that our president should lend credence to other similar flawed
electoral processes.

He said as far as he is concerned it is the people�s verdict which is important and if it were not the
violence unleashed on the people, the electorate have already sent the signal that they do not want
Mugabe. He asked what Mugabe is fighting now when the people he claims to be fighting for have
rejected him in the first round?

A Mugabe supporter said for him he has a problem leaving Zimbabwe in the hands of theMDC,
otherwise he said he thinks that the people have decided that they are tired of Mugabe.

Some blame African leaders and said what has happened in Zimbabwe is what happens in most
African countries. He asked what difference is there between the situation in Zimbabwe and Gambia
during elections. He argued that some are even worse than Mugabe and asked how such leaders can
criticize Mugabe.

It is worrying to some others that the Kenyan and Zimbabwe incident may create a dangerous
precedent which can be used by tyrants to prolong their misrule over the people, forgetting that no
two situations are the same.

..............GROUPS CALLING THEMSELVES
.........ECONOMIC CONTROLLERS
.........HARASS SHOPKEEPERS TO REDUCE PRICES;
.....................By Solo, Banjul Correspondent��..July 3rd, 2008
It has been reliably reported to this paper that some extremist
personalities linked to the ruling APRC party have taken the
law into their own hands and purportedly pretend to be
watchdogs to control the prices of commodities in the shops.

This reporter is reliably informed that so-called vigilante groups
have been formed in Bakau, Brikama and Serrekunda to
terrorize innocent shopkeepers into submission to reduce the
prices of their commodities.

According to an informant, so-called vigilante groups calling themselves, 'Economic Controllers" in
Serrekunda are pretending to have been backed by law to summon shopkeepers to their office to
question them as to why they are selling a certain commodity at a certain price.

This reporter is following the trail of some people pretending to be state officials calling themselves
Economic controllers'; that they have been given the mandate to summon shopkeepers to their office
for questioning. When this reporter questioned the culprits as to the whereabouts of their office, they
simply murmured the word Serrekunda. When he insisted in knowing their names they declined and
hurriedly left the scene.

This reporter later learnt that these so-called Economic controllers have frightened one shopkeeper to
follow them to their office where they threatened him of severe consequences if he does not stop
selling eggs at D5 dalasi.

Information received by this reporter earlier on spoke of a similar group in Bakau who are
impersonating themselves as public officials, telling shopkeepers that they are mandated to make sure
that prices are kept low. According to sources, these harassers of petty traders usually target Fula
shopkeepers and terrorize them to reduce prices or else they would deal with them mercilessly.

But further reports indicate that Fula shopkeepers in Bakau have braved themselves to deal with the
matter forthwith; that their first action is to go to the police to ascertain the legality of the group and
further proceed to alert the police of any such miscreant bent on disturbing them again.

Practice has shown that youths supporting or pretending to support the ruling party APRC used to
create so-called vigilante groups to curb what they called the indiscriminate increase of prices. The
story behind this action is that these innocent young people are deliberately misinformed or
indoctrinated to believe that they are fighting for justice for the poor and that the state which is being
confused with the party and the Law is behind their actions and that nothing would come out of it.

With these wrong notions, these young people are manipulated to terrorize innocent shopkeepers in
the name of so-called Economic control'. Little did their idle organizers know that the state is running a
liberal economic regime which does not recognize any price control of any sort whatsoever; that
everything should be left to market forces to determine cost of commodities? If that did not satisfy
anyone he or she should simply make effort and convince the powers that be and ask them to change
their policy instead of engaging in economic terrorism by terrorizing innocent traders.

The Government must come clear and educate the citizenry on the exact nature of what a liberal
economic regime is all about and further put a definitive halt to this embarrassment of retailers who are
neither the executive nor the importers.

...............................Interview with Chairman
...........HABIB MBYE
.......AGERA: "Is Driven By One People; One Community For ATLANTA"
.......................................By GON...................... July 2nd, 2008
GON: Mr. Chairman Congratulation on your recent interview
with Freedom Newspaper; How was the interview for you?

MBYE: These Interviews are really seen as an opportunity for
free publicity - (laugh), and the opportunity to talk about the
Gambian community in Atlanta and July Fourth, because it has
become bigger than an Atlanta event. My goal is really to focus
your readership to the July Fourth, and invariably to tell you
about, Atlanta Gambia Emergency Association (AGERA) and
its impact to Gambians all over the Diaspora, and hopefully not
about me per se.

GON: If it is ok with you briefly share with our readers your
background.

MBYE: My name is Habib Mbye. I am originally from the Banjul area; migrated to the US in 1978
and live in Atlanta with my family - my wife Fatou; My niece Aji, my sons Saul and Pa Doudou, my
daughter Ndey Fatou, and some close family members. I am a civil servant currently the Chief Code
official for Fulton County, Georgia Government Mechanical, Erosion and Sedimentation code
compliance Divisions.

GON: Of Course, you will no longer guess the fact that we will be talking about AGERA today at a
critical time for the long time vibrant association. What does AGERA mean and what are your goals
and objectives?

MBYE: AGERA, the acronym stands for: Atlanta Gambian Emergency Relief Association. In short,
we organize the community for the sole purpose of providing relief when people need it most. After
the massive arrest of Gambians by the INS, it became clear that there is a need for an organize
structure that all Gambians can belong to and utilize in the event of unforeseen calamities hitting our
community. As "Tumarenkes"(foreigners) in a foreign land, it is important to get organize and be
ready to intervene and make crucial difference when the need arises especially when everything thing
in the US is driven by how well finance you're. We provide empowerment and enrichment in many
forms: access to resources, elevate the earning power of the community and provide mentorship for
our young ones.

GON: It is a known fact that AGERA help people in all kinds of problems, ranging from
Immigration, health, family issues, jobs, funerals and et cetera... What else have you achieved as an
organization?

MBYE: Prior to the formation of AGERA in the metro area, there were really divisions in the Atlanta
community, and the July Fourth was used as an issue to settle differences among individuals and
organizations. AGERA was able to bridge that divide over the years, and has really increased the
revenue base of the July Fourth and its growth in attendance, diversity of programs which ultimately
became a win win for the Gambian nation. Of course, people can speculate and second guess what
we do but I will say may be this is one accomplishment we may not be able to claim anymore. But, we
will do whatever it takes to reach out to our critiques and all Gambians to keep alive the spirit of
oneness, by God's grace.

Secondly, we cannot forget the successful "Meet the Diaspora Summit" which AGERA helped
organized which, forever change the Socio-Political landscape of Gambian politics in the Diaspora.
Finally, in the education front, we are always helping our community to register in computer classes for
their own development. If I could borrow a statement from Ambassador Bammy Jagne "AGERA is
one organization that Gambian communities everywhere should emulate", and really that is the
kind of organization we would always like to maintain.

GON: What brought about the formation of AGERA?

MBYE: Like I indicated above, some of
our community members were arrested at
the Atlanta Airport by INS agents and that
led the community elders to rally together
and spearheaded a financial campaign for
the release of our fellow Gambians. With
the voluntary help of our own Gambian
Attorney, Abdoulai Suwareh we were able
to win their release. It was really this incident,
and from this group that started the steering
committee which later became AGERA.

GON: Is it mainly a Gambian organization or does it extends its boundaries beyond?

MBYE: It is indeed a Gambian organization, and friends of the Gambia as stipulated in our
constitution.

GON: What approach does AGERA use to handle problems of registered members and
non-members? Who can or cannot be a member to AGERA?

MBYE: This is one area that we have spent so many hours trying to formulate: who is a member?
What does it entail? Who receives help from the organization?. Do we extend help to non-members,
or for that matter Gambians outside of Atlanta? When we were working on our constitution, this was
one area that we have debated and sometimes very heated. Some argued that all helps should be
restricted to members only, others argued that our role is to intervene in issues that affects the stability
of our community. These were very difficult issues and we still find them challenging, especially when
we are confronted with these situations. The issues are all stated in our constitution, and I would really
recommend your readership to visit our website at www.Agera-Gam.org and look at the constitution.
The reality is that AGERA is open to all Gambians and friends of the Gambia, and in terms of who
gets help from AGERA; it is basically every Gambian irrespective of active member, tribal or family.

I would like to further make some clarification to this issue of disbursement because one of our
colleagues in another newspaper have forwarded an email from me about this issue that I found to be
disingenuous at best. AGERA has a disbursement committee, and all requests for help would go
directly to this committee, and one has to put in context that most of these requests will come to us in
times of distress.

The email highlighted from me was a portion of communications between the entire group, after the
disbursement committee has already made its recommendation. Now, one can always second guess
all our decisions but in the final analysis they have always been opened and transparent. We have
made contributions to people from other states, the majority of the disbursement are given to people
that are non members. Now, this particular situation highlighted involved one of our own, who has
contributed tremendously to the success of the organization.

At every July Fourth, he is the one that collects close to $30,000.00 for AGERA. Now, if calamity
befell a family member of this individual, we believed it was the right thing to do and appropriate to go
the extra mile. In most cases for disbursements I am always mindful of personal information directly
from the community and as well as volunteers and these are information very incumbent for the
community members to have in front of them when making these very unscientific decisions.

It is impossible to have something that is error prove with the setup we have. We can not blanket
every community member in the same bunch some are fully engage and some choose to be
disengaged. What is evident is that AGERA has a control system in place for such discussions and
disagreements to occur, and as the Chairman I am only left with trying to convince the rest of the
members to see it my way base on my full experience with the request and the circumstances' and
participation .

In the final analysis, even with governments; when moneys are spent it is always controversial and
emotions do get involve, what AGERA put in place was to build a control system and all requests are
tabled and discussed - it may not be perfect but our doors are always open for suggestion and honest
recommendation from folks who mean well. The amount recommended in this particular situation was
not out of the norm for help given to people living in Atlanta, and we still believe that this was a help
for one of us. Our initial policy was that all deaths in the metro area, AGERA would be responsible
for the $1,000.00 funeral expenses and $500.00 for out of state. At some point, we did not have the
funding to continue with the policy and had to switch to case by case basis. Remember, even though
we have member contributions but we have not been able to get Gambians rally to this idea; therefore,
the only funds we get is from the July Fourth and you can see the financial realities we find ourselves.

GON: The launching of NADD in Atlanta under AGERA's wisdom was hailed across oceans and
continents. What happened in the later part? Was there any conflict of interest, knowing the fact that
some executive members in AGERA were also members of STGDP?

MBYE: This is another one of our Achilles hills that our critics would always like to exploit, and
cannot wait to remind us that we are apolitical. This issue was debated in 2003, and as a group all of
us decided that it can still be done because it is our role to introduce decision makers from the
homeland to an important constituency in the Diaspora, and was without a doubt a good numbers
game for the July fourth program.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind our critics labeling these allegations that out of over 15
votes casted only 2 voted nay, and if that is it not opportunism to go after that vote? If you remember
we extended invitations to all the political parties including the APRC, in fact our honorable
Ambassador was invited to be the key note speaker (then Ambassador Sey) and I still remember the
criticism labeled against us in the online forums for such a move. I have personally made a call to then
Secretary General, Mamburay Njie to have the government of the APRC represented. AGERA's
position was clear and we believe that we made the right decision. Some of our members are
supporters of APRC, some are UDP and without a doubt you have the people that are NADD
supporters. It is na�ve to think that we can run an organization without dealing with the political
dynamics. In the final analysis, AGERA's goal is to remain non-partisan; in fact we cannot wait to
provide a forum for President Jammeh or any decision makers here in ATL in the very near future.

GON: Any plans to unite Gambians again?

MBYE: AGERA understands that we are all different and we will continue to have differences, but it
can all be done with civility, respect, and at the end of the day to guard and work together for the
interest of the community. We are open to any project that will bring unity here and at home.

GON: Gainako followed the heated debates about AGERA and another rising organization in
Atlanta at the Gambia post. Is AGERA loosing it or is it just another development in the making?

MBYE: Gainako, the reality is that there will always be other organizations, and we welcome them
because in the final analysis it is our community that benefits. We are always open to what will enrich
our community but it needs to be done in an honorable way not in the expense of people's good name.
Remember, we have provided finances to this organization and most of our members paid their
contribution in the planning of their programs - now we wanted to give the organization the benefit of
the doubt, and we still believe that there are a lot of good people that are in it. It is just; again, some of
the folks that are using the organization to settle old scores, and that is unfortunate. It is not fair to
bring divisive tactics to the families in Atlanta.

GON: Seattle also celebrates July 4th but postponed theirs to July 11th, just to support you guys.
How do you complement their goodwill gesture?

MBYE: I tip my hat off to those Guys in Seattle for such a move without any dialogue. Seattle
Gambians voluntarily move their celebrations to another day just to avoid any conflict with ours. I
think that is a very commendable move and we should all learn from these gestures of camaraderie in
an effort to support communities even in distant cities. This is in an absolute spirit of being Gambians.

GON: This is a question that affects many organizations; Any financial malpractice in AGERA? If so,
what measures were taken to address such issues?

MBYE: This is one of the most unfair issues that anyone can label against AGERA, and I can tell you
in categorical terms that AGERA has solid control systems for all financial disbursements. Now, the
people that are in this organization as far as I know have not given me the inclinations to see them
otherwise. All payments made have to have two signatures; all Executive members have access to our
account; Financial Statements are distributed to members and the community at large. We are a
non-profit 501c entity and could be audited by the Government. Now there is no doubt that there are
certain areas that we can improve upon especially in terms of bringing in internal auditors to make sure
that people's money is being guarded well. We are open for suggestion and help from anyone who is
really interested in improving the transparency of disbursements and all transactions for that matter. In
the final analysis, the bunch of guys we have in AGERA have not given me reason to doubt them and I
can always vouch for their honesty and commitment to the building of a viable community.

GON: What are the sources of income for AGERA?

MBYE: Individuals; Local Gambian businesses and fund raisers like the July 4th weekend. With
more volunteers to help run the organization we may be able to start a massive effort to bring in
cooperate sponsors.

GON: I am sure you are interested in unity so I don't want you to bully those behind that
organization, but briefly share with us the honest truth regarding their emergence? Did they call on
some needs from AGERA that were ignored? What is being done by your executive to reach out to
them in a friendly manner in making sure these arising differences are completely resolved in a
brotherly manner?

MBYE: Let me be clear, we cannot bully anyone, and AGERA cannot stand in the way of anyone
or organization that would like to carve their own way in the building of the community. We have
worked with GFAA, and will continue to work with them. One of the fundamental objectives of
AGERA is to maintain stability in the Atlanta community, and to always try to heal our differences. As
the Chairman of AGERA, I will never allow this organization to degenerate into war of any sort - we
are way beyond that. We have not received any concern from GFAA, in fact the only communication
was asking donation for the mother's day picnic. As a group we have encouraged total participation
from all our members.

An open invitation was circulated inviting the community at large to organize the mother's day annual
event and the theme was for the men to host the event with that premise the call sounded very positive
and moving. It mushroomed to putting together a full fledge organization a surprise to everyone. It
puzzled a lot of people because the event for a long time was put together by three ladies with very
minimal support from the community and has always been very successful.

We sent two of our executive members to represent us at the first meeting which was seen as a
planning meeting for just the Mother's day event but the meeting was rescheduled because we had a
death in the community that weekend. The meeting was rescheduled and our representatives did not
make the re scheduled meeting. Now, you have to understand that some of our members were very
suspicious of GFAA but were willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, even though they were
attracting people with issues against AGERA especially when they decided to make it a permanent
structure, and most disturbing was the attraction of all the people that have agendas of some sort
against AGERA. Some of these folks started pitching the organization as a replacement for AGERA
and unfortunately with some of the vilest distortion you can ever imagine and all of them were
inaccurate.

I have contacted the leadership to officially let them know that their good intentions are being high
jacked by folks that would eventually bring divisions in the community. The response from the
leadership was very encouraging and positive and a meeting as already been proposed. Like I said,
majority of these folks are honorable and would do the right thing, and it will take the responsibility of
good people to maintain the good work that AGERA have started.

GON: Is it true that AGERA is sidelining organizations in the case of the alleged isolation of other
religious groups and tribes?

MBYE: Almost every member of AGERA is an active member of a local organization. We as
individuals and as a group have reached out to individuals, person's group's religious groups and any
alienated part of community for their participation. We are always reacting to perceptions, especially
when it involves alienating any part of our community

GON: July 4th is at the corner now. Why do you celebrate July 4th and never February 18th? Or
do you have plans to celebrate both in the future?

MBYE: Reasons of weather and local community members celebrating events in their families and a
relentless dedication of effort by Abdoulie Njie (Alburri) who spearheaded the task of organizing the
first symposium that brought most of our Gambian intellectuals in the Diaspora at that time to Atlanta.

GON: What can we expect on that weekend celebration; same old or anything new? I am sure
music already as can be seen on flyers.

MBYE: Our social committee chairperson, Moe has lined up "Fairy" for the first time, Kankuran,
Rap; he is working on the Hunting, Sabarr, Sayruba and a fashion show presented by the well
celebrated Atlanta fashion designer Anna Sanyang. Atlantans are really getting excited about the first
fashion show as part of the July Fourth activities.

GON: Do we expect discussion forums for community unity; political and/or health awareness?

MBYE: Again, this is one area that we believe is needed in order not to make the July Fourth as an
only party affair. The challenge is that unless you have something controversial, and very political in
nature the audiences for these activities do not really respond well. We have the political animals
among us - Banka, Musa, Alburri and Koto Sainey who are always trying to bring good programs
and make them part of the July Fourth. This year they were working on bringing Sam Sarr and Halifa
and other authors for the launching of their books, but unfortunately the timing did not work well.
Again, I am sure our critiques would have loaded their guns with the accusation of turning AGERA to
a political organization.

GON: Sports also is a main attraction to Atlanta's July 4th Celebration. What is their for the sports
fans?

MBYE: Our Sports committee leaders Basaikou and Babou have teams coming from across the US:
Seattle, New York (cancelled this year), Rhode Island to Miami in total of 12 teams. The tournament
will be held in a brand new pro soccer complex and very accessible to our local perimeter highway
I-285.
Sports was the catalyst in bringing the different States to participate in the early July 4ths and it will
always be the main attractions most of our budget aside from relief disbursements is consumed by
sponsoring the soccer team. In the pass we have use the sport events to showcase our soccer talents
to college Coaches and in some instances some players were invited to trials and some even awarded
scholarships.

GON: Thank you for talking to Gainako. We are consulting on our method of coverage in Atlanta.
We encourage Gambians across the US to come and support your cause.

MBYE: We are looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta. I like reading Gainako, especially your
intellectual features are a must read. I thank The Almighty for this opportunity and of course your
courage to create the space for us to illustrate some of the things going on in this community. Your
niche of a medium for people to communicate is giving access to communities that over the years can
only reach their constituency by paper or live meetings. May God bless you and your readers?

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to address some of the issues raised in the
Freedomnewspaper editorial. As the Chairman of AGERA, I am a member and everything I do has to
be cleaned to reflect my beliefs and what I am as a person. There are allegations labeled against me
and AGERA that I really found to be disturbing. Like I have indicated, these interviews are scheduled
to help the July Fourth programs and no doubt to respond to issues that have been circulated for some
time. All the members and I with functions would be glad to respond to all the issues raise, but we will
not engage in scurrilous and dirty war of words with anyone.

I have worked with Ablie, the one that is labeling these issues in the past and have given him the
opportunity to raise issues and as a team we have had our differences and there is always a table for
that. He has his issues, I have mind, and a whole lots of people in the organization have theirs. We are
in the people's business and we will furnish your readership with all the information Ablie has raised in
detail to tell the whole story - Financial Statements will be put out for everyone's consumption and a
detailed procedure of our disbursements and managing of accounts. We welcome questions and
criticism, but let us be clear I am absolutely convince that AGERA is a solid organization and run by
honest and committed people.

Finally, the issue about not holding elections - is absolutely right and as an organization we have
dropped the ball but it is important to also put this in perspective. Ablie has claimed that he was the
PR officer all these years, and elections were not being held. If this issue was a burning issue he could
have confronted the organization even with resignation if the organization refused to hold these
elections. The reality is that we have had changes among the executive members, people come and go
and like I said the organization has always being team driven and all decisions are always tabled. It is
ok to have issues against AGERA, but to start only looking at short comings of the organization to
bring it down is not an honest way of making a difference, especially from someone who held an
executive office all these years. AGERA will without a doubt take this as a criticism and make the
changes to accommodate any constructive criticism. Keep up the good work.

Thanks again. AGERA is driven by One People One Community for Atlanta.

GON: Thanks for all your efforts; Transparency is the key�best of luck during your celebration.

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