Gainako Newspaper

Dear Editor,
I am a Gambian born in the UK of mixed parents of Gambian
(Father) and a Sierra Leonian (Mother). My mother spent her
childhood life in the Gambia and attended St. Joseph�s High
School before going to the UK. I am from Basse Kaaba Kama.

I studied Law, and I am also an idealistic Doctor presently
devoted to serving the poor in Sri Lanka-Tamil Tigers occupied
areas. We provide medical services in impoverished areas. I do
visit the Gambia every two years.

I am a keen reader of your paper. It's my breakfast and supper.
I read other Gambian Online papers as well.

I once read in the "Observer.gm" that our President has offered some M1.5 Gambian Dalasi for
anyone who can come up with the best 22nd, July Revolution ANTHEM! What a good offer! I even
thought of joining the race, but a second thought held me back. Every single thing belongs to
somebody. And this Anthem has an owner already.

Since that publication, I have read articles of mixed feelings by many who wrote both for and against
President Jammeh�s offer. Well, to all who wrote for and against, I�ll not pass my judgment. I can only
say that all are right in their way of thinking. Some argue, why such a huge sum should be dished out
when there is total poverty in the country? Some praised the idea that this sum will still be used by the
poor population, in that; the potential winner will share this with many in the community. For me, it
comes to the same thing. No matter who wins, Its money that belongs to the people, and many will
benefit from this.

I now come to the main point about what I believe or think is right.

First, what is this Anthem for? Is it not for the 22nd, July Revolution? Yes, of course. Secondly, who
constituted the 22nd July Council? Are they alive or dead? Third, on the onset of this 22nd July
Revolution, what was the mission or idea in the minds of the Council? I believe this Mission should be
reflected in the Anthem. And this mission was only clearly known by only those Council members who
came together and staged the 22 July Revolution.

My biases are simple; I believe whole heartedly in the mission (Idea) of the AFPRC and support the
courageous men (GNA) who dedicated their lives to achieve this mission. 22 July Revolution was
created genuinely to rescue the interest of the Gambian people; its only some selfish individuals who
defaced it.

I am not blind to the achievements and shortcomings of the Revolution and also the Gambian
Community's contributions positive or negative. I am not afraid to be labeled as a blind supporter or
critic with an ax to grind.

Like Binneh Minteh, I believe that National Reconciliation is the way to address and fix our National
problems. Please, President Jammeh give the Nation this "Chance" come next 22 July Revolution
Day....

"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down" (proverb)

There is no need to handcuff your favorite possessions: The Gambia is our Dear Land. There is no
place like Home. Gambia is our Home.
On the Anthem:

THIS MUST BE WRITTEN ONLY BY MEMBERS OF THE 22 JULY REVOLUTION WHO
KNEW THE REAL MISSION OF THE COUP. This must be an HONOUR added to their task still
incomplete�

And, oh! This must be written from deep down the heart for the true love of our Nation and not from
motives of love for money. We all must read this with reason rather than anger.

Courtesy of TheGambiaEcho Online publication posted Sunday December 26, 2006 (Attachment)
"MEMOIRS OF TWO GAMBIAN CABINET OFFICIALS IN PRISON..." This was an "Anthem"
(Philanthropic/Patriotic Anthem: WE LOVE THE GAMBIA" written in jail where there was no
money in their minds but trials and darkness (whether one survives or dies...) And, more importantly,
this was written by two former 22nd July Revolution members who took part in all the phases of the
coup. This was written in 1995, 14 years later (today) the President is asking for such an Anthem.

To anybody, the money is tempting, but I think to Sana Bairo and (The Late) Sadibou, it is only
enough to be given the honor of taking and putting in the right place the right thing. The Anthem is from
the right people who knew the mission idea in Honor rather than Money. May be that money can be
used to extend the same medical help to The Gambia like the one our Organization is engage in.

Who could write it better? NONE! The substance and text of this Anthem saw the real mission idea
of this 22nd July Revolution. With this Anthem of theirs, I can respectfully stand and ask the President
NOT TO LOOK FAR OR TOO LOW, you already have the Anthem written by your erstwhile
comrades. Give them the reconciliatory handshake (the olive branch), and give them this honor, it
belongs to them. Its true (Sadibou Hydara) is gone, but nothing is wrong given him honor. Post humus
award of a prize for the Anthem. The other, Sana Biro SABALLY in Exile. Their close family
(children) could represent them, but if by a National Reconciliation as hinted by Binneh Minteh, this
could be the best starting point for all and an example for other States.

I believe that this Anthem should be a uniting factor in our community and that it shall be given to the
rightful owners: Sana Bairo and (The Late) Sadibou. Who will argue that this should be given to
another? Well, Your Excellency Mr. President, the final decision rest with you, but never forget that in
whatever we do, we add to history whether right or wrong.

We all must remember that on the very day of the 22nd July Revolution, the closest people were the
Council members; and if for some reason there came some misunderstanding, that doesn�t mean they
are enemies, but only separated by faith. We must not scratch open old wounds, but try to heal them.
Our Nation needs Genuine Reconciliation from all hearts and minds. President Jammeh, go for it, go!
National Reconciliation!!!

Editors, thank you for allowing me this space in our paper. It belongs to all Gambians. Thank you very
much, you are not against the Gambia Government, but only exercising your profession in keeping up
with the sole responsibility of journalism in informing; teaching, and warning the people through your
paper. Keep up the good work. Always be fair and firm and report the facts.

Ndey Kumba

Is There a Potential For War in
Bakissa? - By Scott A Morgan....................July 18th, 2008
Recent Statements by some senior Military Leaders in Nigeria indicate that there is great displeasure
with the outcome of the Border Conflict with neighboring Cameroon. With these statements the
chances of War may have increased drastically.

The Chief of the Nigerian Defense Staff General Owoye Azazi told an Ad Hoc Committee of the
Nigerian Parliament that Former President Obasanjo did not consult the Military when Nigeria
followed the ruling of the International Court of Justice and ceded the Bakissa Peninsula to Cameroon.
The Chief also stated that the ceding of Bakissa was not in the best interests of Nigeria.

Another Statement that was made by General Azazi should be of interest to Security Analysts. He
expects that if and or when Conflict erupts between the two neighboring States then France will honor
its Military Defense Pact with Cameroon. In recent weeks Nigeria has approached both the United
States and Britain regarding increasing security in the Niger Delta. But with this information could this
be an effort to determine what assistance Nigeria can expect from the Anglo-American Alliance.

One interesting aspect that cannot be overlooked is the status of the People living in the Peninsula.
There is a substantial number of English Speakers in the region. These people are not happy either
with the UN. It seems that when both Nigeria and Cameroon received their respective Independence
from their Colonial Powers the People of Bakissa were placed with Nigeria. The Anger towards the
UN deals with the fact that their Independence was not even an Option for them to vote on.

In recent months there has been an increase in the dissatisfaction amongst the People of the Bakissa
Peninsula. There have been sporadic attacks against members of the Cameroonian Military. In at least
one instance an attack by Bakassi Rebels was blamed on the Nigerian Military.

Nigeria has the option to appeal the ruling of the ICJ for some time longer. Whether or not the
Country will choose this option or launch hostilities is not known at this juncture. It is not known
whether or not any potential conflict will be local in scope or has the potential to draw in other
neighboring states. But any action without the involvement of the Bakassi People will be shortsighted.

But in the eyes of some people the only thing that is important will be keeping the Oil in the region
safe.

The Author Publishes Confused Eagle on the Internet. It can be found at morganrights.tripod.com

....................................................................NEWS
GAMBIAN BOXER IN LIMBO AS GOV'T
REFUSES TO SETTLE HOTEL BILLS IN
NAMIBIA: Boxing President Resorts To Charity To Save Him
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, By Solo, Banjul Correspondent.............................July 17th, 2008
A Swedish based Gambian boxer who turned
down the offer to participate on behalf of Sweden
and decided to play for his original homeland is
now in deep trouble for failing to settle hotel bills
accrued during the period of the African Olympic
qualifiers in Namibia, a few months ago.

Mr. Badou Jack not only qualified to raise the
Gambian flag at the 2008 Olympics in China but
also succeeded in winning a Gold medal for his
country in the qualifiers in Windhoek.

What makes news is that since then Mr. Jack's hotel bills have not been settled by the department of
state for sports. The sad thing is that the boxer still owes the hotel.

Reports reaching this correspondent said the boxer is in limbo as he finds it difficult to settle the bills,
but the president of the Gambia Boxing Association Mr. Correa put the blame squarely on the
department of state for Sports for not doing enough to salvage the young gifted boxer.

According to information, Correa has contacted the permanent Secretary as well as the Sports
Council but nothing significant has been done about the matter up to now.

It is also said that the president of the association wrote a letter and went to see the permanent
Secretary personally; that his vice president also did the same thing, but instead of addressing the
matter as it deserved urgency, the permanent Secretary categorically uttered something that could only
frighten an already excited Correa . And what did he say? He said, "if at all this is the amount you
have to pay for one boxer, it is better not to participate at all and simply come back"

According to information, the president of the association also spoke to the then SOS for sports Mass
Axi Gai who bluntly said, "I cannot help, I am sorry."

Now one can imagine how such a president after doing all these efforts for one's country would feel
when told that one's effort is not worth the while. Also imagine a great boxer like Badou who with
pride won a gold medal of the eleventh category has to endure all the humiliation after one's triumphant
victory in a foreign country.

The questions that should naturally follow are:

1) is the Gambia Government interested in uplifting sports men and women? If yes, why are they
discouraging young talented and progressive sports persons who are excelling and earning glory for
the country?

2) Would Badou and his likes not use this example after enduring such a humiliation to discontinue
their performance for their country or would they change heart and say after all it's not worth the
pride?

The desperate boxing president is now left with other option but to go round begging so as to settle a
hotel bill of a boxer who has mustered all courage and energy to win an eleventh grade GOLD
MEDAL for his dear country.What is however clear is what the Government allocates to the
department of state is very meager. In 2007 the budget allocated for Youth and Sports department
was only eight million dalasi. The final question is, is it the athlete or the country that is shamed by the
whole affair?

...ANSUMANA MARENA
.PROPRIETOR OF JULAKAY ENTERPRISES IN HOT SOUP
....................By Solo, Banjul correspondent...........................July 17th, 2008
The proprietor of Julakay Enterprises, a construction firm, Mr.
Ansumana Marena has been arrested by the state and is said to
be held at the maximum-security wing of Mile Two prisons.

Mr. Marena was said to have been arrested since on Sunday
by state security agents. According to The Observer Newspaper,
Mr. Marena is arrested in connection to financial matters but
did not specify. However, unconfirmed information has it that
Mr. Marena is involved with the Gambian president in a business
deal that amounts to 13 million Dalasi for a joint businesses, but
the narration go like this.

President Jammeh entrusted the businessman with a huge amount of money to do business, make
profit for him and return the amount with interest, but the businessman has failed in his attempt to pay
the amount on time.

Some say the unfortunate businessman is likely to fall in the same trap as Baba Jobe for not paying
customs duty and other taxes during the period; that in this type of thing the state will just charge you
for financial impropriety such as not paying customs duty, economic crimes against the state etc etc
and pin you on that to land you in jail without mentioning anything about the crux of the matter.

.................................OPINION
Poor Treatment of Journalists Gives The
Gambia A Bad Name : By Kairaba Demba;.................July 16th, 2008
I read with great interest the many incidents of ill treatmnet
of journalists in The Gambia well documented in an article
written by PK Jarju and wish to add my thoughs on it: My
contributions would come as a series and in this first one I
take a few cases of ill treatment of press men and how the
lack of professional media advisers at state house caused
media blunders at the presidency!

Those who are surprised by the current plight of Dida Halake
are those not in the know that humiliating staff at the Observer
and indeed government media houses are a tradition.

Unfortunately though except perhaps in Halake's case; a few
others I know have done their best not just to serve their
media houses but also the general audience. The whole thing is not far from the general rot that
characterise todays' Gambia where hypocrites and mediocres have hijacked the national services and
are busy destroying the competent ones! Let me focus here on a few cases I know of in the media!

The Daily Observer was my favourite paper and I hardly missed an edition between 1993 to 2004.
I was privy to a lot of information arising out of the circumstances that led to the sale of the Observer
and I remained close to the establishment even after that. If I want to give specifics here most of the
staff would make out my identity which I do not want.

My intention here is to draw attention to the ungratefulness of the Observer management to its staff
and how the general treatment of journalists by the APRC government through bad advise or
hypocrisy has brought about the present poor image of the president and the country:

I will start with the dissatrous handling of the case of three journalists among many other good ones
who have been maltreated by the system in Banjul and have left in fear or shame for having been led
down by the very system and state they were serving.

Sheriff Bojang: Currently studying in London
Contrary to what many believed, the sale of the Observer could not neccesarily have brought about its
sorrowful state today, if the innovative strategies and editorial management employed by Sherrif
Bojang had not been rudely interupted . Even though everyone knew that the new owners are close to
President Jammeh, if it is not himself, Bojang had vigorously pursued a fair coverage of issues that
though not harshly critical of the regime, but never fail to cover what was in the public dormain. Sheriff
was gifted in recognising what was news,especially what the readers wanted to read.

Soon after he took over the paper, Bojang created interesting columns and pioneed the popular
Weekend Observer with its much sought -after stories, features and Sports. Indeed so interesting was
the Observer that people hardly noticed that its ownership has changed hands.Sheriff was hell bent on
keeping much of the paper:s reputation intact following the high profile sacking of DA Jawo and the
honorable resignation of Baba Galleh Jallow.

This period, compared with the rogue spell under Buba Baldeh, was like death and life. However
even after the gabbage and gutter years of Buba Baldeh with his blind biasness towards the
establishment, Bojang managed to lift the paper to acceptable heights upon his return as manager.
Drawing experience from his years as reporter he himself anchored breaking news stories and
conducted eye browsing interviews with people and on issues which are taboo under Buba Baldeh.

But what happened to Sheriff? Hypocrites and charlantans in the board conspired against him in their
snake like style and managed to throw him out because he would not condone their mediocracy. He
was one day given the boot without notice. I was very close to a certain board member who later
became the angel God of the Observer claming to be the voice of Jammeh on Observer matters. if I
want to go into the details of Sherif.s sacking my my identity would be uncovered. But the real motive
and reasons would be discussed later in subsequent articles. To recognise his worth; just go through
the stories of the Daily Observer these days and compare the presentation; coverages and content of
the sheriff Bojang years.

Lamin Cham
Next to come to my mind is Lamin Cham also currently studying In London! This is the man who is
likely to blow my cover if he read this and is still with his good memories of events and people around
him. Here is a man who had dedicated his entire life to the Daily Obsever, spending weeks: days and
weekends across the Kombos and eslewhere and keeping late nights at work to feed his readers with
the latest local and international sports every single day of the calendre. Who would ever forget
waking upon every morning to see his smilling face at he top of the second to last page of the paper ,
loaded with last night's latest sports news on the GFA league and other sporting events. Together with
his team, they boosted sports coverage and undoubtedly contributed a great deal to today's vibrant
sports media . Infact there are very few young sports journalists in this country today who has not
pass under Cham's Observer Sports desk. Which Nawettan centres have Cham not visited in the
Gambia ? Who would forget his contributions on the GRSTS sports desk?

What did they pay him? Was he not removed unceremoniously and innocently and months later
subjected to a brutal torture for doing absolutely nothing with the Freedomnewspaper. A man who
does not even have the heart to harm an insect.

Let me now expand to deal with other journalist outside the Observer who has been maltreated .

Peter Gomez: Director Of West Coast
Next is Peter Gomez, another houeshold name in the Gambian media. Gomez is clearly the best brain
in broadcasting in the country at the moment. Having served Radio Gambia on a salary of less than
D200 from 1981 to 1992, Peter went to train and worked in Germany . Being a patriot , he returned
home and volunteered to work for his old institution on starvation wages despite the fact that he could
get three times more corresponding for international media.. He came back to Radio Gambia a
complete mordern broadcaster and made an instant impact. The good old News at Ten became
popular again while Sports Round Up was again the talking point in sports news reporting. Infact it
was not difficult to hear people saying that they listen to Radio Gambia only just to hear Peter Gomez.
What did they pay him? One day a man rode on a bicycle towards the station and as Peter, always
modest, was leaving the station, called him. ''Mr Gomez. I have a letter for you''. It was his dismissal
letter. Again no reason but all those who followed the Sharia Saga and Peters uncompromising
standse knew why he was sacked. Where is Peter Gomez now . Whose loss was his departure from
the station? The Gambia or Peter Gomez?

There are others like Peter Gomez's boss at Radio Gambia , Bora Mboge. From 1977 when he
completed his A levels, Bora dedicated his life to the Radio and unlike some of his colleagues never
left it for single day until June 2006 when he was unceremoniously booted out.

I can go and on as their dozens of other who have done great service and were even killed in service.
And the circumstances leading to these men's departure from their well cherished and indeed
competent services are the same; they are victims of sychophants, incompetent people who felt
jealous and insecure in front of these people. What is more sorrowful is that some of these destroyers
have gone on to be advisers of President Jammeh on media matters.

Just like other areas of today's Gambian society, anybody who wants to destroy the other only need
to have access to Jammeh... Knowing that Jammeh's moody type of person, his media advisers play
on his emotions to eliminate competent and harmless people from the good worjk they were doing.
Infact much of the bad publicity Jammeh is getting today is undeserved and unnecessary.

Through their lack of professionalism and jealousy The president's media advisers have managed to
eliminate competent media practioners who they feared could have risen to the very positions they are
today holding today as square pegs in round holes. Their incompetence can be traced in the numerous
media blunders that occured at the presidency simply because the Preseident does not have
competent media advisers . Those who surround him as media advisers or information ministers
lacked the dynamics and functions of mordern day media. As a result they do not know what
statement would make the President sound funny and ridiculous in the eyes of the world. The most
glaring example is the blunder with the Aids cure debacle.

His Information minister or press officer or director of TV should have advised him that even with all
his sincererity and confidence in having a cure, the World would not believe him. They should have
known that by calling the international media, they are helping to make the President a laughing stock
in the World because the media would feed on it as meat, knowing the funny and bizare nature it
would look and sound to the rest of the world.. And Jammeh does not not deserve this because no
matter what you think of him, he loves his people and country.

In the same vein much of the trouble with journalists which has brought a lot of bad image to the
regime are caused by these incompetent people surrounding the President. Journalists would not
prefer to go abroad if they don't fear arrest or have not seen their collegues arrested and tortured
Instead of engaging The President, interpreting and advising him on contemporary international
political , diplomatic and related news and media dynamics, these mediocres would rather pick up a
story in the local newspaper; rushed to the President to say, ''look at this article it is written by so and
so reporter. He is an opposition symphyatiser. I will make sure I close this paper or radio,' or deal
with this reporter'. If the President happens to be in a bad mood that day or is brooding over a
complex national matter, the next thing you hear is that that reporter is sacked or picked up. Then the
international media will obviously pick up the story. Before too long it is documented among a list of
human right abuses. All these can be avoided if the President sack these liars and employ
professionals.

Here are some ways I would recommend;
Mr President, replace your infromation Minister with competent media practioners who knows how
the world information system works and would be able counter, react and appropriately advise you
on matters dealing with the media. You will realise gains immediately.. Liberate the national airwaves,
including the GRTS TV and Radio by putting in competent managers and journalists to cover all that is
in the public interest. Lift the ban on radio stations and press houses that have been closed down .

Talk freely to journalists from all sides on national issues. The best way to kill a rumour and even a
true story is to make a public statement about it once and for all.

Last but not the least allow those journalists you may have inadvertently sent on exile, by closing their
offices or persecuting them. I sincerely believe that you do not mean any bad or evil to the nation but
you are not getting the image you deserve largely because of your handling of journalists affairs. They
are agents of news and if they are hurt,that is bound to be news. Of course they are not above the
law. Drop the case against Fatou Jaw Manneh and set Chief Manneh free if you are holding him;
apologise to the journalists both at home and abroad who were tortured by your state security agents.

......................................POEM
...........My Femininity
........................................By Aisha .............July 16th, 2008

The tops and tanks
Jeans and Apple bottoms
From New York to Milan
Paris to China
Designers are cracking their Heads up
The lines of Versace, Gucci, Armani, Coach and Fendi
My femininity is of unique taste and style.

Stabilizer of Masculinity
My femininity detoxify man's fluid
Making the world green
Saving man's soul from daily to weekly or rather monthly dialysis
Less he becomes gay.

Heads turn topsy turvy
The mere sight of my cleavage
Many a big man have cried
Rather of joy than sadness
Yet consoled by my femininity

Nine months loaded without help
The pains and trauma only I bear
The beauty of which keeps the world glowing
On my femininity men mount
On it they ride
The pleasure of which irresistible
Till climax they reach.

By Aisha

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