“GORR CHA KADDOMM”: Louis Reviews News for Week Ending September 26th 2007

After an “interesting” week in Gambian affairs, I begin this week’s reviews with some examples of the kind of journalism we need in Gambia.

The first one is no surprise. It’s FOROYAA’s analysis on the firing of the last of Jammeh’s AFPRC comrades.

http://www.gainako.com/ - Edward is the last one

I believe this article should be copied and closely studied by most of our online journalists. The writer not only reports the story but also gives actual analysis. He gives us a brief albeit useful history that Edward is the last political survivor of the original AFPRC members. He briefly takes us through how, in his own perspective, Edward conducted himself during the period he was in there. He also gives us an idea of the current situation with the rumors that have been going on lately. Finally, the writer asks probing questions about the causes of such a move and the possible outcomes. This is probably the ONLY article I’ve seen on our websites that has remained objective on this story. The irony of it is that FOROYAA is an opposition party newspaper and it is sad that they’re more objective than the journalists. Again, I really suggest that all our journalists go back and make this article a “bible” to learn from. The questions the article asks are all perfect, thought-provoking educative. READ IT, STUDY IT, MEMORIZE IT and PRACTICE IT.

I’d like all readers to read the article in its entirety but just incase you can’t, here are a few quotes to show you why this is the perfect article:

“Edward is the last political survivor. He did so by playing a low political profile. He moved from prominence to become almost unnoticeable. What is interesting is that he has recently enrolled in the Law programme to study Law. Did he smell something or has he changed heart about politics and political office.”

According to rumors, “…at a recently held meeting of party stalwarts in Kanilai, the President had asked people to shelter Edward for him.”

“What is still unclear is where the President intends to go from here…”

After reading this story, it is no wonder that despite being an opposition newspaper, FOROYAA is not getting into as much trouble with the notorious NIA as other journalists are. I’m not saying that the other journalists deserve the “harassment” they get. Just that this kind of reporting gives one very little room to accuse them of anything.

http://www.senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1918

Opposition leader Amath Dansokho reacts to President Wade nominating 65 people to the new Senegalese Senate

Now I’m sure a lot of regular readers of the blog will be shocked that I chose an article from Senegambia News as an example of the kind of journalism we need. I’m not so interested in the story itself, just the style, manner and maturity with which it was written. It is a bit unfortunate that it happens to be about Senegal. Either way, the writer is very objective and informs and provokes the readers in a very mature manner rather than the usual biased reporting we would have got if this story was about The Gambia. Guys, this shows me and everyone else that it is within you to write objective and mature articles (at least sometimes). We’re just asking for more of this style of writing when it comes to news about your own Gambia regardless of your political prejudices. Congratulations and thank you for a great article. We look forward to more of this on Gambian News.

NOTE: I can't give quotes like i did for the FOROYAA article because for this one it was more about what they DID NOT do rather than what they did. No anger, no bias and no prejudice.

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2344/Breaking-NewsTop-NIA-Official-Serg-PMJ-Declassifies-Gambias-Most-Wanted-List/Default.aspx

Breaking News:Top NIA Official Serg PMJ Declassifies Gambia's Most Wanted List!!!

Last week’s review was headlined by a Gambia’s Most wanted list reported by Freedom Newspaper listing their editor Pa Nderry Mbai as the number one. I wrote to say how ridiculous it sounded to have Pa Nderry, a journalist in America, as number one when former military soldiers and alleged failed coup plotters were right there in Senegal. Well, it seems like Freedom woke up from their disillusion with the help of their Serg PMJ who gave a more “sensible” list. True or false, this list makes a lot more sense than the first one.

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2342/Breaking-NewsMighty-Singhatey-Has-Fallen-Has-Singhatey-Resigned-or-what-/Default.aspx Breaking News:Mighty Singhatey Has Fallen!! Has Singhatey Resigned or what?

Here Freedom Newspaper gives a different angle of the Edward Singateh removal. According to their sources, Singateh resigned from the government after his enrolment in law school. Again, true of false, I’m glad to have a different perspective. Their theory doesn’t sound too bad either because a law student will certainly have little time to be a minister and party secretary general. It also at least attempts to give an explanation which is more than we got from the government issued report of Singateh’s removal.

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/775/Default.aspx

Breaking News: Works Minister Sanyang Sacked, Col. Peter Singhateh Discharged

The Gambia Echo posted this article on Monday, September 24 2007 at 8:24 PM. Given the limited details on this story, I don’t want to comment on it just yet. However, I got an email from a reader at around midnight. His/her complaint was that the authors of the article above promised that “more analysis later tonight”. To give them the benefit of the doubt, I thought the Echo might have meant on Tuesday night but up until the time of writing this article on Wednesday afternoon, September 26 2007 there was still no further analysis. Now, I’m glad that to remind the Echo that Gambians are watching and holding them accountable. If you promise your readers something, please respect them enough to deliver. If you’re not sure when you’ll be able to get the analysis then leave out the “later tonight” part. If you intended to write and something comes up, please respect your readers (even if its just one person) to write and notify them and apologize for your inability to deliver what you promised them. For a journalist, the saying that “a man has nothing more than his word” is literal.

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/771/This-Week-In-News-Review.aspx

This Week News in Review

A reader brought to my attention that they noticed that Matthew K started doing weekly news reviews since Louis Friend started. Well, I’m flattered. I’m not sure if me starting had anything to do with Matthew’s or whether the reader only noticed it after they saw mine. Either way, I’ll quote Tupac and say to Matthew “I ain’t mad at ya”. The more information, the more perspectives, the better for all of us as Gambians.

In the reviews, Matthew talks about his proposed post Jammeh government. I was going to comment on it but seeing that he had himself as Secretary General made me realize that it was just his crack at humor. Good one brother.

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2321.htm

Shyben Madi Reduces Sugar, Cooking Oil Prices

The Point reports that Shyben Madi reduced the prices of Sugar and Cooking oil. I say, ABOUT TIME TOO!!! It’s been a few months since tariffs on imports were cut by over 50% and it makes absolutely no sense that prices remained the same. Gambians all over the world are also alarmed and nervous about the sudden appreciation of our Dalasi against other currencies. A reduction in prices will not explain it or take away our fears but it does make a bit of sense and might ease the nerves a little bit.

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2323.htm

Jammeh Receives Special Envoy from President Wade

Later reports suggest that the envoy came to ask Jammeh to release some Cassamance rebels/ rebel leaders. We’re all glad to see cooperation between the Jammeh and Wade and we hope they can patch up whatever differences they may have. Gambians and Senegalese are one people and we don’t want to have it any other way.

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1313.shtml Cheap shot...naturopractic

JAMMEH MADE CHIEF WITCH DOCTOR?

The Gambia Journal reports that Jammeh was made president of a West African organization of Naturopratic doctors. The problem is that they labeled him and more importantly the organization as Witch Doctors.

Ok, I believe The Gambia Journal might have briefly suffered from a “Gambia Echo/ Senegambia News” syndrome of being carried away on emotions and rushing to publish an article. I say this because the article has sensibly been pulled from their website.

In my article THE FOURTH ESTATE on this blog, you can see how much I respect this paper. I was therefore very disappointed to see them categorize a whole organization as one of WITCH DOCTORS. The removal of the article signals to me that someone there has realized that naturopratic medicine happens to be a respected and accepted science studied in universities right here in the USA as well as other parts of the world. Our disbelief in Jammeh’s abilities and methods should not cloud our judgment to the point of disrespecting scientists and doctors who chose natural herbs and products over modified chemicals.

http://www.observer.gm/enews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9016&Itemid=1

GRTS captures English Premier League

Observer celebrates that GRTS can now show EPL games. Well bravo GRTS. We’re all happy. However, I just wanted to react to a comment by one Gambian Fan who said “we have to thank GRTS” for bringing EPL games. Mind you, this is not just about GRTS and EPL. I’m just tired of Gambians feeling that our public officials are doing us a favor whenever they DO THEIR JOB. From the president down to Momodou Sanyang of GRTS, they are all there to serve the Gambian people. We can thank and congratulate them for a job well-done whenever they do so but I would really like Gambians to stop feeling that public officials are doing us a favor. They are paid with tax payers’ money to give us the best they can and we should settle for no less. I hope our public officials also realize that it is their responsibility to serve the country and its people with the very best of their efforts. Giving anything less is a failure on their part. Bravo GRTS for the EPL. We hope you can get us La Liga, Bundas Liga and Serie A…who knows…maybe even NBA Basketball!!!

Louis Friend

ANOTHER IRAQ??? Louis evaluates Senegambia News’s Plea for a US Invasion

In my reviews of last week’s news stories, I promised to comment on a story I saw on Senegambia News entitled “Editorial: A plea to US government to grant asylum to Gambian journalists, political dissidents in Banjul and Dakar: Help us remove the regime of terror in Gambia”

http://www.senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1899

I said I would decide whether the writer is an ignorant retarded dummy OR a dumb ignorant retard. Well, after taking time to think about it, I’ve decided not to call the writer EITHER of the two because that would not be cool of me. I must admit that I was pretty ticked off to read see such a selfish and irresponsible story from a Gambian website but I took time to simmer down before writing. Now mind you, what I have is a blog and I have no problem venting my rage on it. This is not to say that I will accept the same from our NEWSPAPERS. There is a huge difference between a blogger and a newspaper journalist/editor. I chose to write this response in a “chill” tone in the spirit of Ramadan and out of consideration for my readers as well as the journalists and editors I’m addressing. I am NOT obliged to. Anyway, to the article we go.

In bold italics below are direct quotes from the article in questions followed by my commentary.

“Senegambia News hereby pleads with the government of the United States to grant political asylum to any Gambian journalist or political dissident in Banjul or Dakar as our dear country, the Gambia has become a lawless state as evident in the continuous torture, extra-judicial killings, harrasments of civilians and endless arrests and detentions of journalists with impunity.”

A lot of journalists (and some civilians) do have legitimate reasons for wanting to stay away from the current situation in The Gambia. Citizen FM Radio, The Independent Newspaper, Radio 1 FM, the late Deyda Hydara and more recently, Fatou Jaw Manneh, are all evidence of the hostility faced by members of the press that no one has to go through.

As a result, I have no problem whatsoever with Senegambia News, or any Gambian for that matter, trying to secure their immigration status in the status as political refugees in this country. We are all free to seek political asylum for ourselves, friends and family.

What I do have a problem with, is someone going through any means necessary, including disregarding the stability of our country and our national sovereignty just to achieve such individual ends. Yes, I use individual ends because some people will choose to live in country, despite the current circumstances, rather than live elsewhere as refugees or have outsiders interfere. Even some journalists such as the late Deyda Hydara, will feel it is nobler to stay and play their part in effecting changes, even at the ultimate cost, than to flee or neglect the country at its hour of need. Again, it is a matter of personal choice and I don’t blame anyone who seeks asylum for themselves or their families. It is the rest of the article contained in the following quotes that I have a real problem with.

“…we plead with you (US government) to help us capture the Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh, his hench men…”

“If this lunatic [Yahya Jammeh] could lay hands on weapons of mass destruction, we bet he will not hesitate to use them against perceived Gambian enemies, British and US citizens around the world. He is more lethal than he appears. It's time he is gotten rid off before it's too late because he has started building alliances with the world's most notorious regimes.”

On this, the first thing I would like to do is to put to rest any notion that I’m even a bit concerned that the USA will actually even consider intervening militarily in Gambian Affairs as requested by Senegambia News. The USA has no interest or stake to interfere in the Gambia. They have lots of more important issues to deal with both within and outside the USA than poor little Gambia, oceans away, with no natural resources or real power. They’ll treat this “plea” just as it deserves to be treated; a petty, juvenile complaint much like a parent would ignore a complaint by one of his kids that a sibling is making silly faces at him. Now why would I respond to it you ask…because I find it sad, almost pathetic, that a Gambian Newspaper in this day and age will even think of writing such irresponsible comments. I also want to take the opportunity to shed a bit more light on it for the benefit of any other like-thinking Gambians.

For multiple reasons, this article made me wonder if the writer even reads or watches the news. I doubt that anyone following the events in Iraq will make such a plea to have the country they care about invaded. I suggest a quick glance and reflection on the Saddam Hussein Iraq versus the Iraq of today. Also look up the events of Black Water Company recently in the news and tell me you still want an American invasion in the Gambia.

Another cause for my doubts about the writer’s knowledge of current affairs is the events in New York this week. President Ahmedinajjad of Iran, who was labeled as one of the axis of evil by President Bush, a man who is unapologetically operating nuclear science and questions the existence of the holocaust, is speaking in NEW YORK CITY. If the Americans do not “capture this guy, who is also accused of supplying weapons to Al Qaida in Iraq, then why in the world would you think they will ever have the slightest interest in little Yahya Jammeh??? If Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who stands in front of the UN and calls President Bush “the devil”, and makes signs of the cross at every mention of his name, is left to speak then why would you think the Americans will so much as take a glance at Yahya Jammeh?

Wait, I know why America would be interested in Gambia….because the great Senegambia News asked for their help!!! Brothers please, take a reality check. Your plea only exposes our naivety, anger and poor judgment skills to the world. It embarrasses all Gambians who know better and makes us look bad in the eyes of our foreign “nawlehs” (as if the AIDS cure report on CNN wasn’t enough).

“We want Jammeh out dead or alive to restore democracy and rule of law.”

Am I the only one who sees the irony of this sentence? Does the writer actually believe that the way to restore democracy and the rule of law is to invade a country and remove a sitting president elected by the people of a sovereign nation?

In addition, if Jammeh has committed all the atrocities he is accused of, what justice would there be if you got him dead? Wouldn’t it be more democratic and under the rule of law for you to prosecute him in a court of law and send a message to others that such actions will never go unpunished? I don’t want to call anyone a moron but I’ll say that this sentence is what you call an oxy-“moron” in literature.

“Gambia needs help”.

Yes my friends, Gambia does need help. We need the help of Gambians!!! We need all hands, and intelligent minds, on deck. We need the help of all Gambians to contribute positively in whatever little way they can in effecting the changes we need. We need it fast and we need it in a peaceful way. What we need is to have all our journalists, scholars and politicians responsibly speaking up and condemning the wrongs. What we need is for them to educate and inform the masses. We need Gambians to take responsibility and control our destiny. No administration will stay in control if the people REALLY don’t want it to. Rather than call for “big brother” to come and “rescue” us, we need to “rise up, question the system” as Mutabaruka says. I end with an olof saying that “ndimbal na cha fekah lohoi borom”. Check Myanmar (formerly Burma) where Monks are leading pro democracy rallies against the military government. Please remember that Mandela did not flee South Africa and cry for outsiders to end apartheid.

Louis Friend

RESPECT THE OFFICE: Sekou Toure writes to Freedom Newspaper

RE: http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2360/STARTLING-REVELATIONS-AGAINST-VP-NJIE-SAIDY/Default.aspx

Mr. Editor,
I would like to state from the onset that I am NOT a sympathiser of the current Gambian Administration or any of its members for that manner. But what I will NOT stand up for any day is the use of foul language such as "damn fool" against the OFFICE of the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia (you SERIOUSLY need to consider the long term effects of the insults displayed on your website on your credibility and on the respect that people will have for your beloved country long after this current administration is gone).
I have no problem with anyone expressing displeasure or disappointment at the actions or person of the Vice President...but the ethics of Journalism dictate that this should be done in a constructive manner and with facts to support claims. The article I read on your website today was full of HATRED and if you need a reminder as to what hatred can do to a nation then look no further that RWANDA.

Mr Mbai, do you want the Gambia to become like Rwanda? I didn't think so.
If you keep publishing articles such as the one in question without editing these HATE MESSAGES then we're going to have a serious problem in the future.
Please bear in mind that I did NOT say that such articles shouldn't be published at all, they should merely be edited and stripped of all the hate they contain in the interest of The Gambia.
The beauty of lost of the revolutionaries in the recent past from Ghandi to Nkrumah to Malcolm X and Martin Luther is that they did not compromise on RESPECT when they were fighting their respected causes. In the end people respected them more. I would certainly not consider the Freedom Newspaper in this category or anywhere near it for the simple reason that its publishers lack the education and maturity to EDIT their articles fully and bring them to decent standards.

In the interest of fair play and by way of constructive criticism I would like to say that the article in question did contain some valuable information such as:
1) Words spoken by The Vice President to Pap Saine and other Journalists behind closed doors.
2) The fact that the Vice President MAY not be as innocent as some of us might want to believe with regards to all the mishaps currently taking place in The Gambia.

What I'm trying to say is that the article had a lot of INFORMATION in it, but this was overshadowed by the immaturity and lack of foresight of the writer.

Sincerely Yours...

Sekou Touray

GAMBIA'S MOST WANTED??? – Louis Reviews, week ending September 18 2007

GAINAKO TURNS ONE
www.gainako.com

I begin this week’s review by wishing Gainako a very happy first anniversary. I personally thank you for giving me space on numerous occasions to make my voice heard. The reactions to my articles published on your website contributed immensely to inspiring this blog. I started receiving numerous emails from Gambians around the world encouraging me to continue writing and this made me feel the need to start my own blog thus freeing you from threats of “law suits” frivolous as they may be. I hope you continue on the path of education, information and tolerance to freedom of expression that you displayed this whole year. Congratulations and please continue in your strive to improve and be the best you can be in what you do.

What Is Yahya Jammeh's Relationship With Vivian N'dour? http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/737/Default.aspx

The Gambia Echo reports on an alleged relationship between Jammeh and the Senegalese musician. Sadly, competition with Freedomnewspaper along with personal vengeance is sinking the standards of this paper lower and lower. Most I hold The Echo in the ranks of our Gambian version of "New York Times" etc. However, their latest post on gossip and rumors about Jammeh's extra marital affairs really brings the paper down to the Freedom Newspaper status of "National Enquirer" tabloid newspaper. Names like "Jennet muna lai" etc are NOT characteristics of a respectable newspaper. Believe it or not even well-meaning Gambians who are anti-Jammeh will not be interested in such gossip . I understand it would be a reflection of poor character but I believe the Jammeh government does things that are much worse and negatively affects the lives of Gambians on a daily basis. Just how you can even talk about this when the sale of Gamtel has not left our minds is unbelievable to me. Cement costs are monopolized and unbearable. Fatou Jaw Manneh's case still lingers on between courts and the exchange rate is ridiculously unstable. These and other issues are of much more relevance to Gambians than The president's silly unfaithfulness. Even if you're going to highlight it, the least you can do is to give solid evidence (or tell us how it affects us) instead of the “Baba Galleh Jallow characters”.

EDWARD DAVID SINGHATEH TUMBLES- "GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE"
http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/757/Default.aspx

Bravo to The Echo for being the first to report the story of Edward Singhateh’s dismissal. However, again the “credit” is tainted by another demonstration of biased reporting. Instead of celebrating, your job is to INFORM your readers. In addition, it seems to me that the Echo has already tried and prosecuted Singhateh for numerous crimes. I’m sure that as “students of Literature, History and Political Science”, you know that regardless of how strong of a case “prosecutors” might have, every man is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At the risk of being accused of defending Singateh (because I’m sure some idiot will see it that way), all you have are allegations and until someone tries and finds Singateh (and others) guilty, he is presumed innocent. It might be ok for civilians to make the mistake but it is tragic coming from journalists and people who should be better informed. You don’t need to be “students of law” to know that.

I also found it very juvenile that the editors of this paper decided to have Singateh’s picture “upside down”. I hate to repeat myself but these remind me of the days Freedomnewspaper would distort Jammeh’s pictures. Thankfully for them, they listened to Louis Friend’s advice (reluctantly I’m sure) and ceased the kindergarten act. Hopefully the dismissal of Singhateh will ease some of pain for the Echo and they’ll see the sense in what I’m saying. Please remember that people like Senegambianews look up to you. Like lost children, they blindly follow you and even published the same “upside down” picture just like you did. You owe it to them to set a good example of mature, professional and responsible journalism.

khanigee http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/744/Kanighee-Khanighee--Hot-Pepper-For-The-Sick.aspx

I was going to comment on this story but unfortunately it has been pulled from their website. It was about some people who allegedly thought they were free from criticism by the Echo simply because they had made some donations to the website. This was the Echo’s warning that no one is immune to their criticism.

Publishing the article and pulling it down so quickly is evidence of another emotional, impulsive publication which characterizes this website. Instead of thinking carefully before publishing, they just reacted to their anger and only later realized or were advised that it wasn’t the best move. Anyway, I hope they learn from this and reflect before reacting next time.

Two Journalists Arrested and held Incommunicado
http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1291.shtml

By now I’m sure we’ve all heard about the arrest and detention of Malick Jones and Mam Sait Ceesay. I personally have no problem with prosecuting anyone, journalist or medical doctor, as long as they are guilty of a crime. Things however need to be conducted in legal way and I hope these two, as well as all others, are given every chance under the constitution to prove their innocence.

I know the media is up in arms about this and are giving it a lot of attention and coverage as it deserves. I’d just like to remind you that the Ebrima Chief Manneh and the Fatou Jaw Manneh cases both need and deserve continuous coverage until they can both join you in writing again.

Metastasizing???-http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/747/Default.aspx - Ok, I know it’s the same article I already commented on but I just have to say to the writer…if you can’t see anything wrong with using ALTHOUGH and HOWEVER in the sentence “Although no outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease has been reported in The Gambia so far, however, reports have it that the H5N1 is spreading rapidly across the world”… it would probably be a good idea to stay away from big words such as “Metastasizing”. I guess you just had to “fit in” writing for the Echo.

Freedom’s Editor number One on Gambia’s Most Wanted List http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2340/Breaking-NewsList-Of-Gambias-Most-Wanted-Persons-Released-by-self-proclaimed-NIA-Official/Default.aspx

Ok guys; hold your horses just a minute. I know you clarified that the “source” of this article was not verified but don’t you find this a bit “too good to be true”? Are you so disillusioned about how important you are? After reporting or reading about Gambian dissidents wanting to overthrow the government, don’t you think former military personnel accused of failed coup attempts would be a tad bit above some self-exiled “journalist”? For your information, that’s part of the job of an editor…to edit which stories are credible enough to deserve a second look and which ones belong in your trash can. It makes absolutely NO SENSE and you shouldn’t even have bothered reading the second name when you found yours as number one.

Editorial: A plea to US government to grant asylum to Gambian journalists, political dissidents in Banjul and Dakar: Help us remove the regime of terror in Gambia
http://www.senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1899

This story caught my eye and I’m having a hard time deciding whether the writer is an ignorant retarded dummy OR a dumb ignorant retard. I’ll comment on it when I come up with an answer. Stay posted for the article.

Finally, as Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to seek forgiveness from all readers, writers and editors if I offended you in any way. My articles, no matter how harsh, are not at all intended to harass, offend or to intimidate anyone. They’re meant to give readers something “different” and thought-provoking. I also hope that the writers and editors will be inspired to improve knowing that they’re accountable to the readers, myself included. Blessed Ramadan to all.

Louis Friend

PROPHETS OF DOOM: Louis on the papers - Week ending September 10, 2007

GAINAKO
http://www.gainako.com -

I'm sure a lot of Gambians are as excited as I am to see Baba Galleh Jallow back online. We hope "More felicitations for Ndareh" is only the first step in the return of Baba who arguably is Gambia's greatest satirical allegorist. We all remember and missed the thought provoking and entertaining characters we were spoiled with on the "good" Daily Observer and the Independent Newspaper. I know Baba has been busy with his books and other important projects but please, even one Brer Rabbit a month will be highly appreciated.

THE POINT

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2274.htm - A second batch of 25 students is scheduled to leave the Gambia to study in Taiwan on scholarship from the Taiwanese government. I know the respectable Halifa Sallah has some concerns about the amount of aid the current regime is accepting from Taiwan but come on, this one….I say “milk it to the last drop”. I just hope the scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates based on merit rather than who they know or who they’re related to. I also hope the programs they’re studying are carefully considered to make sure they can be of optimal service to the nation upon completion.

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2271.htm

NRP’s Dullo Bah talks about the mysterious Gamtel Sale. While I don’t have enough information to give an educated opinion on this, I must say that it is absolutely ridiculous that the Gambian people are only hearing this after the deal was completed. Gamtel has been one of the few successful institutions we could be proud of. If, the economics of the Gambia at this point dictate that it should be sold, then the least that could be done was to inform the Gambians through the National Assembly (if this wasn’t done). Some of the terms we heard in 1994 were transparency, accountability and probity. The manner in which GAMTEL was sold is nowhere near any of the three favorite phrases. I hope our national assembly has the concern, guts and integrity to give the Gambian people the truth they deserve on this and all other matters.

THE GAMBIA ECHO

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/729/Your-Latest-Newspaper-79-September.aspx

THE POINT AND FOROYAA – Saga brewing between the two newspapers mostly caused by the poor investigative journalism on one (maybe both) sides. I don’t mean to take sides but it seemed that The Point could have been a bit more patient and investigate their story better before rushing to publication on the story about USA Gambians trying to bring NADD back together. Anyway, I hope the USA Gambians involved can come out and clarify things.

THE GAMBIA JOURNAL

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1275.shtml

Report on “more Free labor for Jammeh’s farm”. Gambians (and non-Gambians) are apparently volunteering to work on Jammeh’s Kanilai farms. I doubt that Gambian people have nothing better to do than to go offer free labor. I’m sure some of those working there have their own backyards untrimmed. To Jammeh I say, any special favors you wouldn’t get when you were a soldier should NOT be accepted as a public official. It compromises your judgment and is exploiting people you were elected to serve. Remember, these people are giving you special favors only because of your public office. You’re already paid to be president and should therefore NOT be so receptive of these “favors” in cash or kind. This goes for all other public officials as well.

FREEDOM NEWSPAPER

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2300/Breaking-NewsGambia-to-embark-on-Recession-due-to-economic-crisis-Major-job-cuts-ahead/Default.aspx

Another “breaking news” from our alarmist prophets of doom. This time it’s a report from a Bank officer at Central Bank warning us of looming economic crisis in our beloved Gambia. Given the source (freedom newspaper) there is again no credibility to the story. However, just to humor them and give them the benefit of the doubt (just why I’d do this I don’t know) I’ve decided to give my take on it. I’d like to tell the said bank officer that Power comes from the people and EVERYONE needs to be ready to make sacrifices. People in public office owe it to the tax payers to tell the truth no matter what the cost. If you are on the inside then you need to try and do whatever you can to make a change and prevent crisis. Resigning from the bank and revealing the truth would be a very honorable thing to do. The “source” goes on to advise that

“The Bank authorities should be honest enough and tell The Gambian people the true story. There is no money in this country. Posited the Central Bank official who works at the Bank’s Research Centre.” – Great advice indeed. My question though is…what bank official are you talking about? Aren’t you a bank official? Aren’t you the Pastor sitting at home and telling his flock to go to church? Newsflash…YOU ARE A BANK OFFICIAL!!!

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2296/Breaking-NewsGambia-major-hunger-crisis-Consumers-decry-high-cost-of-bread/Default.aspx

“Breaking News:Gambia major hunger crisis!” I believe Freedomnewspaper were trying to justify Mr. Sekou Toure labeling them as “alarmists”. They made this a BREAKING NEWS (like everything else they report). The story is about how the weight of bread in the Gambia is… get this…reduced!!! Freedomnewspaper, how can the low weight of bread be a MAJOR HUNGER CRISIS??? You’re not telling me flour is scarce, not that there are long lines for rice or even that sugar is being hoarded. I know English is not your specialty so I’ll try math…check this ... LESS BREAD WEIGHT = MAJOR HUNGER CRISIS??? Read that equation and tell me if it makes sense to you. I would also beg that you look up the definition of what breaking news and stop throwing it around like nobody cares.

Guys, this is a newsworthy story. Gambians everywhere should be and are concerned about consumer protection. However, it has to be covered in the right context, not meant to cause alarm and in a professional and productive manner. In addition to what is happening, tell us what the causes are, possible solutions and what those concerned are or are not doing about it.

ALL GAMBIAN

http://www.allgambian.net/viewphoto.aspx?id=5 - On a lighter note, this report is on a 9yr old boy attending University in the UK. What caught my eye is that he was accompanied by his dad. Now I was wondering…how would I feel as a dad? Am I proud and showing off that my son can do it or am I ashamed that I can’t help my 9yr old son with his homework? (Guys, take a chill pill, albeit a bad one, this is just a joke).

HUMBLE GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE NEWSPAPERS by Sekou Toure

I am one of the regular visitors to your website and would genuinely like to see it improve. Your websites deserve a lot of credit for opening debates amongst Gambians.

There are some things that I believe must be gotten rid of in the interest of democracy, fair play, and responsible journalism. I am not a journalist, but I am a professional and these are mere observations:
1. Guidelines must be set for all articles published; any article which falls below these guidelines should NOT be published (no matter how “juicy” it might seem). A Journalist must not compromise his professional standards for any reason whatsoever.

2. Some writers to your sites make it a habit to settle whatever personal differences they have with other writers in the form of articles and this very unpleasant for genuine news-seekers. If individual writers have any personal scores to settle they should do so by writing personal e-mails to the writer in question. Too much space is given to journalists "reacting" to another's point of view instead of fresh and healthy articles.

3. There should be no place for INSULTS on your websites, more so for public servants of The Republic of The Gambia. The OFFICES of this nation MUST be protected regardless of the poor caliber of individuals currently occupying some of these posts.

4. The value of your article would be greatly enhanced if they ended with SUGGESTIONS as to how to improve the problems you identify with the current state of affairs in The Gambia.

5. Articles from "insiders" within the Gambian Administration must be respectful and to the point...not inciteful and designed to cause panic. You have to think about the future of The Gambia once the current administration is out of power. Sometimes, the hate and anger emanating from these articles reminds me of a certain radio station in Rwanda prior to the genocide. Please think long and hard about the effect and implications of some of your articles in the health of our nation in the distant future.

I would like to end by reminding you that this message is not intended to pull you down in anyway, indeed more grease to your elbows! All I'm trying to say is that you should be good ambassadors of our nation. It doesn't help any of you to make unpleasant comments when other nationals visit our sites and make unpleasant comments about them. The opinions they form are with regards to ALL Gambians and not just the owners of the site. This is not to say that we should try to please others, but that we should please ourselves and our founding fathers... Long live the Smiling Coast of West Africa, may God give us Strength and Good Leadership in the Future.

Introducing SEKOU TOURE

I'm glad to introduce my new co-author. After a few comments on postings on this blog, Mr. Sekou Toure has agreed to be a co-author because he, like Louis Friend, has a lot to say and finds this a suitable medium to share his OPINION. I do NOT care who he is or where he is from. What I care about is the substance in what he has to say and I'm sure that's what most of our readers are interested in. Again, we're open to all opinions so please feel free to send in articles for posting.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MR TOURE'S OPINIONS DO NOT REFLECT THOSE OF LOUIS FRIEND so don't be surprised to read differing view points by authors on the same blog. It is the beauty of freedom of opinion, the need for which prompted the start of this blog.
To Mr. Toure I say, "feel at home".
(His first article will be posted shortly).

WE ARE A BLESSED PEOPLE - Week Ending August 31st 2007

THE POINT http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2258.htm

Reported on some Gambians In the USA trying to reunite the former opposition coalition NADD which broke up shortly before the last elections. Even though I believe it would have been more realistic and productive to have the initiative from the different party leaders themselves, it still is a worthy cause. This is a more productive and sensible approach to the “sit here and whine” attitude and the “military intervention” theories we’re flooded with. I hope the opposition leaders realize that the Gambian people are counting on them and it is as much a burden on them to “deliver” as it is on the ruling party. The interests of the Gambian people must take center stage ahead of individual power-hungry goals. If you’re more concerned in being president than what’s best for the people then you’re certainly not the right man for the job.

Magistrate Richards Warns NIA, Police to Stay off Civil Matters - http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2264.htm

It’s about time someone did something about the security forces interfering in civil matters that they have no business in. I sometimes feel they just don’t have anything better to do. Too many times do we see or hear of a soldier arresting someone because they got into a fight with someone else. It’s about time we all know our responsibilities or have someone tell us if we don’t. To that, I’d like to remind our security forces that they should be “friends” and “helpers” of the public rather than intimidators. I haven’t been to Gambia in a while but I really hope the chest beating “do you know who you’re talking to” speech is a thing of the past. If it isn’t, “please help us Magistrate Richards”.

Operation Save Ebo Town Takes Centre Stage - http://www.thepoint.gm/National%20Stories1335.htm

A story about a “…multitude of people from various walks of life on Saturday took to the homes and streets of the area to drain stagnant waters in the compounds as well as to clean the streets of filth”. Though not a surprise, it just reminds me of how we Gambians take care of each other. It is always beautiful to see people helping those in need and no one does it quite like Gambians. We indeed are a blessed people. It’s what keeps us going and I hope we stay that way through the end of time.

SENEGAMBIA NEWS http://www.senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1884

Under the heading “Juwara asks Jammeh to step down”, Senegambia News reported on former Parliamentarian Lamin Waa Juwara asking President Jammeh to step down. According to Senegambia News, the reasons cited by Juwara included 13 years of mismanagement and corruption as a result of lack of fiscal discipline brought about by the Jammeh government.

I would love to comment on the story but unfortunately, Senegambia News did not give me any sign of credibility to their story. We don’t even know where or when Juwara made the said remarks. Next time, please give us an occasion, date or venue of speech. Juwara could have been speaking at a comedy club for all I know.

I must add that Juwara’s recent comments are indeed confusing to a lot of followers of Gambian politics. They sound very “un-mbarodi like”. I saw the interview on Freedomnewspaper and I’m contemplating whether to comment on it. Stay tuned to see if I do.

THE GAMBIA ECHO

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/719/Default.aspx

Under the heading “Senior Police Officer Assaults President Jammeh At Kanilai Farm”, the Gambia echo wrote “Unimpeachable sources from Kanilai reveal a welcome development, the confrontation of President Yahya Jammeh by a senior no-nonsense police officer at the dictator’s slave farms at his native Kanilai.”

Again, coming from them, it was not a surprise that they call this a welcome development. I did say in my reviews that they do seem like they’re out for vengeance and this was further proof of it. Even for people who hate Jammeh, there are many words and ways to “celebrate” this than to call it a welcome development. For example, you could call it “sad” that our people are driven to such acts of insanity. You could question just what desperation and suffering “caused by the government” could push someone to such desperate measures…etc.

People, don’t get me wrong. I am not defending Jammeh. Nor am I in anyway implying that the said officer should not be mad at him. My contention is to have respect for the law. As a police officer (or an individual), one needs to know and respect the laws set to guide our society and prevent anarchy. Assault is illegal and unacceptable in every society I know of and should be condemned and not celebrated like the Gambia Echo did. There are numerous “legal” ways to take a stance and make your voice heard. The said individual would have served his cause much better by refusing to work on the farm for example, rather than work and then assault the president.

To the Echo I ask, “what does this man or anyone else gain from assaulting the president?” I would also like to know if you will pledge to take care of his family if/while he is sent to jail for assault? I would ask you if you would personally ever have done the same thing but I already have my answer since you crossed the oceans to even do your job as a journalist.

I would also remind all Gambians that regardless of our feelings for the person occupying the office, we need to respect THE OFFICE. Despite all the hardships, we must keep our sanity and deal with things the right way. It’s the only way to bring better and brighter days.

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/718/The-Gambia-A-Country-That-God-Forgot-Analysis.aspx

In the article “The Gambia: A Country That God Forgot (Analysis)”, writer Matthew K. Jallow does an excellent job in highlighting the effects of dictatorships on people. Mr. Jallow rightly states that “dictatorships by their very nature force their subjects to think inwardly and passively to the extent that after a while their proactive, reactive and creative thoughts become moribund, the whole society will fall into disillusionment and dysfunctional state of being”. This sound analysis gives us hope that we have journalists, (and hopefully politicians), like Mr. Jallow, who know better and will refuse to let the Gambia fall totally in such a sad predicament. Unfortunately, that hope is quickly shattered in by the rest of the same article. In his “weekly news round up”, Mr. Jallow’s tone and reasoning, or lack thereof, demonstrates how moribund, meaning about to die, (yeah I grab my dictionary when reading the echo) his own sense of reason has become. He affirms his support for a military removal of the government AND tries to justify corruption by public officials just because “Jammeh is doing the same thing”. A smart man like him would normally have known that two wrongs don’t make a right but I guess he can be excused on grounds of being “turned moribund by the dictatorship”.

I would conclude by reminding Mr. Jallow that despite all the suffering, we still have a lot to be thankful for. Iraq, Sudan and I’m sure many others, would give anything to be in our position. We can keep it that way and even make things much better but only if we avoid letting our sanity go “moribund”.

We are a blessed people and God has not forgotten us. Just as when Jesus cried “El, Ely, lamach sabachtani” {My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Matthew 27:46)}, I’m sure God had a plan. Jesus dying on the cross was the price paid for pardoning our sins. He was NOT forsaken by God and maybe, just maybe, God has not forgotten Gambians either.

Stay blessed