Gainako Newspaper

The Executive of The Gambia Press Union, Thursday July 3rd
2008 paid a courtesy call on Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay,
Speaker of the National Assembly.

Ndey Tapha Sosseh, President, Gambia Press Union expressed
pleasure with the reception at the National Assembly and said
that the Call was aimed at cementing the already existing cordial
relationship between the private press and the Legislature..

The GPU leader raised key areas of concern between Press/
Legislature relations highlighting the issue of access especially
during ceremonial state functions at the Assembly and made
proposals that would enhance and ease access for coverage of
National Assembly proceedings.

As NAMS representing both the ruling and opposition parties were present, Ms Sosseh took the
opportunity to remind them that it is their responsibility to keep the Executive in check and that as
representatives of The Gambian people, the National Assembly is the forum to raise and address
issues of concern to the Gambian populace. She further lamented the GPU�s concern that issues of
freedom of expression and the security of journalists/media workers have not yet been raised at the
National Assembly with specific references to the continued detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh
despite the ECOWAS Court orders for his immediate release and to compensate him with
US$100,000 dollars and the investigations into the murder of Deyda Hydara.

The GPU President also called on National Assembly Members to support the promotion of media
friendly laws and not to pass legislation that will serve as a stumbling block to freedom of expression.
She however stated that the GPU and its membership are equally committed to the development
of The Gambia and that in informing the Gambian populace, they have a crucial role to play.

GPU advisors Sam Sarr and Swaebou Conateh, editors of the Foroyaa Newspaper and The Gambia
News and Report Magazine reiterated comments and concerns raised by the GPU President.

In response, Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, Speaker of the National Assembly said she was surprised
that the issue of access was raised as they �are not aware of any incident� in relation to coverage and
or access to the House and assured the GPU Executive that such problems would not exist if all media
houses are fully and properly accredited to cover proceedings.

She echoed earlier views of the Minority Leader that the issue of Chief Ebrima Manneh was sub
judicial thus could not be mentioned at the House. Declaring that she was not holding brief for
the Executive, she lamented the non-cooperation of the public regarding the Deyda Hydara
investigations and attributed the slow pace to this.

Acknowledging that as politicians they needed the media to sell their ideologies, the Speaker
disclosed that the National Assembly had secured a training package for Parliamentary Reporters and
that provision was made for a �State of the Art Media Centre� within the premises of the
Assembly.

Speaking earlier Momodou Sanneh, Minority Leader and Member for Kiang West commended the
GPU Executive for �being bold and open enough� to raise their issues of concern with the National
Assembly. He further informed them that the Chief Ebrima Manneh issue was not raised at the
National Assembly as Court Matters are not mentioned in the House.

Also present at the meeting were several National Assembly members.

..................................................PRESS RELEASE
....GAMBIAN ASSOCIATIONS IN THE
...AMERICAS UNITE TO FORM AN
...UMBRELA ORGANIZATION
..............................................July 4th, 2008
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............................

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