PERSISTENCE; Positive Words from Gambian Author ML Sabally

Hey Louis Friend,

In 1995 a friend suggested that I join a
university extension program in my West African
country called The Gambia. It was to be the first
ever university education program to be held in
my country. This suggestion came at a time when I
was facing severe frustration for not being able to go to
college. But wait a minute.

I was at a crossroads, debating whether to join
or not and wondering if the program would work.
Could you imagine my dilemma?

Finally I decided to join the program. Saint
Mary’s University (SMU) of Canada, the parent
university of the program, sent professors to my
country to conduct intensive 6-week courses that
earned us undergraduate credits to be accumulated
over a minimum of 3 years for a degree. The program
was dubbed the Saint Mary’s University Extension
Program (SMUEP).

The courses started well and I and some 60 other
first intakes rejoiced at the opportunity to
pursue our long-cherished goals of attaining
university education. However, after the first
few courses problems (now I call them challenges)
emerged.

The situation gradually approached a crisis
proportion (at least in my mind)
And I approached yet another dilemma and I had to
make another decision as to whether to stay the
course or to quit. Can you guess what I did?

I decided to stay and persist to the end.

Now Louis Friend, persistence always produces great
results. The situation improved gradually and things kept
getting better.

On February 16, 1999 my country held its first
ever university convocation. I graduated as Valedictorian.

So Louis Friend, if you face a similar situation anytime,
do the thing that would move you in your positive directions.
If you have a goal, pursue it with persistence and a positive
mental attitude and always remember the old saying “a quitter
never wins and a winner never quits”.

Now let’s look at three quick steps to easily
build persistence. These are in tune with
Napoleon Hill’s philosophy of success:

-state your goals clearly and develop a burning
desire to achieve them
-develop a sound plan to get what you want and
work your plan
-align your work with positive thoughts and block
out all negative influences

Review these steps over and over and act on them.
Remember this think called ‘positive thinking’ is
also positive ACTION!

Yours in Positive Thinking,

Sabs

THROUGH THE CRACKS; Amie Cham Examines A Message Within The President’s Koriteh Message

On the day of the Eid-Ul-Fitr, in the speech President Jammeh gave to Muslim elders and Imams of Banjul, there was the usual assortment of misdirection ("Any Homosexuals marrying in this country will get sent straight to jail for a long time", in a country where homosexuals do not even come out of the closet, and gay marriage is not an issue at all), misplaced stewardship (he claimed there was only "one Islam", and he will do anything to uphold it), and attempts to sound world-wise and informed (about the war in Iraq: "this is Christians killing Muslims on the battlefields", and "How come all terrorists are Muslims?", and the very precious “if democracy was invented in Greece, why didn't they stay there with it?” ). But in between the reams of rhetoric was hidden an innocuous statement which, though it won some amount of public support (and applause from the people there present), I believe carries, if not checked, the greatest threat to religious freedom in this country.

The statement was this: that the President had seen people, during a Muslim religious ceremony on TV, dancing and using drums whilst proclaiming the name of Allah. He promised swift punishment (in the form of jail time) for any repeat of this incident. Islam, he said, was not a religion of frivolous worship, and anyone who worshiped in such a manner did not deserve to be called a Muslim, and in fact should be punished for bringing something foreign into the faith. And, he said, he himself would be the one to effect this punishment.

There is, of course, the issue of having an elected President using the country's jails as his stick (and the country's treasury as his carrot), to carry out his own personal vendettas. At various times in the past, the President has threatened to send people straight to jail - and carried out the threat, on more than one occasion - for a wide range of perceived transgressions: from re-selling the rice he gives them as gifts at Ramadan, to supporting the Opposition whilst holding public office. And "straight to jail" means just that - no courts, no arrest warrant, no chance to defend one-self, just straight to the slammer and - if you're lucky - an Observer article the next day, or - if you're not - a Foroyaa article a month later with quotes from your family who have looked for you the country's police stations over.

So why did the President want to send people to jail this time, for something as harmless as dancing during a religious ritual? To understand the answer to this question, you must first know about the "Bai Faal".

The "Bai Faal" is a religious sect within a sect that has gained much popularity lately, especially with unemployed urban youth living in the Greater Banjul Area. They are divided into cells, each of which has a leader (a local "Serigne"), who all report back to Touba, to the high leader, the current "Serigne" of the Mouride brotherhood in Senegal (at the moment Serigne Salieu). If they have one rule which governs their behaviour it's this: that the Serigne's word is law, and even weightier than a divine command. If they have a second rule it is that they are excused from praying and fasting (both two central edicts of Muslim faith), as long as they dedicate their lives to the pleasure of the Serigne. This has led to many mainstream Muslims (who are the majority in the country) treating them with a certain amount of disdain and even downright contempt. It is the Bai Faal who go annually to the large farms (as large as Banjul, people say) of the Serigne in Senegal, to do heavy manual labour without pay. It is the Bai Faal who, on most weekends, keep some neighbourhoods awake drumming, dancing, and singing the venerated name of their Serigne (this, as you can imagine, has made them even more unpopular). It is the Bai Faal who sit at street corners and some say, smoking weed, drinking copious amounts of their special coffee brand (“cafe touba”), and trading tall stories about the time the Serigne tamed a lion with his bare hands, or prayed on the sea whilst in captivity on a ship. And it is the Bai Faal who raised the President's ire, leading to the threats of jail in the Presidential speech.

Most people were pleased when they heard this. It further re-affirmed their belief that the President had the best interests of the country and - even more importantly to the 90% Muslim population - the Faith at hand. There was much nodding of heads and 'hear hear's from the Muslim leaders present, which is not surprising, given that Bai Faal-hood has eaten into their congregations more than anything else in recent years. What they didn't see was what lies behind this 'harmless' pronouncement.

For, to his credit, the President understands in an uncanny way the importance of public support in whatever he is doing, the need for a large segment of the population to agree at a basic level with the soundness of all his decisions (or, at least, to make a show of agreement). Gone are the days when he ruled with a heavy military hand, dispensing commandments like onto Moses, to be obeyed or have oneself struck down by lightning dispensed from on high. Now he rules with a sly hand, like a mouse nibbling at the edges of a cake it believes leads to a trap, getting to the chocolate-filled centre slowly, slowly. First he starts with the Bai Faal, who no one cares about, and no one will make protests concerning. Then he climbs up the ladder, to the Imams, having them eat out of the palms of his hand, and through them making all the major religious decisions in the country (only the previous day before the Imam's visit, there was an announcement on the radio that the "President's Office" had declared the next day the day of the Eid, a decision and announcement which are usually made by the Supreme Islamic Council). This may not seem like a big deal, until you consider that Gambians are deeply religious, and have a deep-seated respect for their Imams and leaders. Whosoever controlleth the Faith controlleth the people.

Perhaps we are making too much of the speech. Perhaps it was just the President being the President - using the might of Government to swat at the flies which irritate him. I for one would be very happy if this were the case. But since the elections we have seen a shrewder President, one more calculating yet at the same time less merciful and more dispassionate, willing to dispense with friends and enemies alike to get a tighter rein on the country. And I fear that this may be yet one more of his calculations, one more avenue to control the masses through.

As with everything else concerning the current leadership, only time will tell.

Nyamatoo says …“When thy neighbor’s house burns, be mindful of your own”.

Introducing Amie Cham

I'm glad to introduce our newest contributor Ms. Ami Thiam. In "Through The Cracks", Ami will try to discuss some important issues in the news that were either missed or not fully dealt with in the news reviews. Stay tuned for Ami's first contribution on "Message Within The President’s Koriteh Message".

‘korontontu la nyambi bika mo’; Louis Reviews News for week ending October 15, 2007

The above quote is a Mandinka saying. I was reminded of it by an article from Mr. Omar Saidy Khan to The Gambia Journal. It seemed suitable because it is applicable to 3 of the stories reviewed this week. It directly translates to “a hurried cook will never eat a well-done cassava.” The cassava is used because it normally takes long to cook and requires patience to get it properly cooked. The meaning is similar to the English saying that “if you rush, you miss”.

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1396.shtml

Master Tamba Fofana and Ousman Rambo Jatta Freed At Last

Despite the total disrespect and embarrassment shown to the Amnesty International officials last week, their visit and the attention it created seems to have yielded some result. After ignoring several calls, including one from a high court, “captors” finally released Ousman Rambo Jatta and Master Tamba Fofana. While this is relief to the two gentlemen and their families and friends, and all who value human rights, it must be said that this is FAR from satisfactory. Detaining someone for an extended period without charge is CRIMINAL and simply releasing them does not make things right. Their unconditional release needs to be accompanied by full compensation and an apology for the period they were detained and the damages it caused, physical, emotional, social and economic. If the government still wishes to claim that “the men were not held by them” then failure to find and bring those responsible to justice would be equally criminal.

To the various newspapers, human rights activists etc. who continued to call for the release of the two men, BRAVO. Please keep up the good work and remember to stay on the cases of Chief Manneh, Fatou Jaw Manneh and all others who have “disappeared”. Their families need you, the Gambia needs you and history needs you.

To Rambo and Master, please remember your principles and all those who stood by you and continue to fight for what you believe in.

http://www.gambianow.com/news/News/Gambia-News-Gambia-frees-Senegal-rebels.html

Gambia frees Senegal rebels

Another sigh of relief to learn that two of the detained outstanding figures of the separatist rebels of the Movement for Democratic Forces in Casamance (MFDC), Kamougue Diatta and Sadia Bodian, have been freed by Gambian authorities. The men were handed over to Senegalese authorities.

It can be recalled that not too long ago, a Senegalese delegation had gone to the Gambia to negotiate the release of some Cassamance Rebels. I say “Good Call” because if anyone, The Gambia government needs to “bff’s” (best friend forever) with Senegal. Not only are the people ONE, but it makes a lot of political sense to be on good terms with the country that borders you on THREE sides.

http://www.observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/2007/10/11/bala-garba-jahumpa-exonerated

Bala Garba Jahumpa exonerated

After being arrested along with three other officials, Bala Garba Jahumpa, former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and now The Gambia’s Ambassador, designated to the Latin American State of Venezuela , has been exonerated in the passport and visa scandal discovered at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs.
Now how incompetent is our Police Department? This is NOT the kind of story that gives people confidence in their police force. How about you investigate and get your stories straight before arresting people. If mistakes are made in cases involving high ranking officials such as Secretaries of State, then what hope is there for the ordinary “Louis Friend” to have justice?

http://senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1947

Correction, Former Gamtel directors relieved of their posts, not arrested.

Aah, who is to hold the Police accountable if the newspapers are guilty of the same crimes? Senegambianews deserve credit for being man enough to make a correction on a story they had earlier misrepresented. After reporting that former Gamtel Directors were arrested, Senegambia makes the correction that the men were only fired and not arrested. While the correction is commendable, imagine the discomfort caused to the families and friends of the gentlemen involved when they thought their loved ones were arrested. Again, our journalists must never forget or underestimate the trust and confidence thousands of Gambians have in them. Delaying on a story to take the time to verify it is not a waste of your “valuable time”. Remember, “It’s better to measure ten times and cut once than to measure once and cut ten times.”

http://www.gambianow.com/news/News/Amnesty-employees-cleared-of-spying-allowed-to-leave-Gambia.html

Amnesty employees cleared of spying, allowed to leave Gambia

This story about the two arrested Amnesty International employees was covered in last week’s reviews. I just saw that they were suspected of “spying”??? Excuse me but “SPYING”??? Is the government about this? I mean, I thought the cold war was over? And when since did the Gambia become so important to have SPIES interested in us?

http://www.allgambian.net/NewsDetails.aspx?id=75

Daily Observer (Gambia) Ridicules President Jammeh Exposing Him to Public Dirty Insults

The pro-government Daily Observer newspaper apparently had a lapse in “censorship judgment” and for two days, opened up a forum for readers to freely speak their mind on their website. Unfortunately, the forum was closed after just two days due to the torrent of negative comments about the Jammeh government. If you ask me, this kind of forum is something any serious government NEEDS if they’re genuinely interested in serving the people they’re elected to serve. Letting people speak their mind uncensored not only gives them an opportunity to let off steam before it escalates to dangerous levels, it might also give you more ideas on what your people need and want most. It might even give you fresh ideas on how to tackle certain problems. The sometimes appalling/shameful literature found on some of our online news sites however gives me cause for concern. Such a forum would need consideration, maturity and above all, respect for all, including those we hate.

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2397/Breaking-NewsForeign-Exchange-Crisis-Hits-Gambia-Half-A-Million-Dollars-Hoarded/Default.aspx

Foreign Exchange Crisis Hits Gambia???

Ok, if did not understand why my co-blogger Sekou Toure called them “alarmists”, read this story. Not worthy of commentary.

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1376.shtml

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1378.shtml

Beneath Jammeh’s Program of Reconstruction Parts 1 and 2

Good analysis of the Infrastructural Development that has taken place during the 13yr AFPRC rule (forget aprc, the “F” is still there as in alliance For…). Also a story that you need to read for yourself and please take your time reading to avoid a “foot in mouth” disease like the one suffered by Mr. Omar Saidy Khan regarding this article. (http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1397.shtml). Kind of similar to the Gambia Police with Bala Jahumpa and SenegambiaNews and the Former GAMTEL directors.

The story basically explains that all that glitters is not gold and one needs to look at all angles to properly evaluate the “good” in the infrastructural development undertaken by the current administration. Whether you agree or not, the article raises some interesting points.

CYBER TERRORISTS or JANET JACKSON’S “WARDROBE MALFUNCTION”; Louis reviews news for the week ending on October 11, 2007

Two main issues have dominated this week’s online papers. The first is The Daily Observer Editorial accusing online papers of cyber terrorism and the second is the Gambia Government’s alleged and apparent lack of respect for International human rights and regional courts. Mein, there are so many that I can’t even keep track of all of them. Ok, let me try; there’s the Rambo Jatta (Bakau Councillor) and Kanyiba Kanyi case, the Ebrima Chief Manneh (Daily Observer Journalist) case, and the 44 Ghanians issue all to be dealt with.

http://www.observer.gm/africa/article/2007/10/5/the-cyber-terrorists

The Daily Observer accuses the online newspapers and writers of cyber terrorism. Now there have has been enough reaction to this story so it would be redundant for me to go over the whole article. I’ll just address two points raised by The Observer editorial

1. Observer claims “some of our compatriots in the diaspora, who have set up online newspapers, geared towards spreading hateful, malicious and negative propaganda against individuals and the state.”

On this, I couldn’t agree more. It is a fact that some of the articles on our online newsites are nothing more than shameful, hateful and malicious. Read last week’s article on Freedomnewspaper about a former Gambian soldier who allegedly now sells perfume in the Bronx. I will not dignify the said story by giving a name or link. I just don’t see what could be wrong with someone selling perfume or anything else legally to take care of himself and his family. I also don’t see what makes it relevant to be newsworthy. If anything, I think it is a much more dignified way to earn a living than attacking people’s personal lives on the internet to make a few dollars or solidify one’s political asylum case or refugee status. It’s not that people don’t know what some “editors” do for work at Wal Mart. The frequency with which a secretary of state gets his wife gets pregnant is also personal and not newsworthy. In no way does it affect the lives of Gambians. If that topic interests you and you’re capable, do your own “duty” in that department and inform your readers about it.

2. Observer also claims that “the Gambia is a fully democratic state where legitimate opposition to the government in conformity with the principles of democracy and the rule of law is entrenched.”

Ok, I know it’s the new Daily Observer but I still have to ask… DEMOCRATIC STATE and RULE OF LAW??? ”Are we talking about the same Gambia???” The Gambia of Ebrima Chief Manneh, Deyda Hydara, Ousman Sillah and Rambo Jatta??? WOW!!! I really admire the conscience, or lack thereof, of whoever wrote this article and can go to bed and sleep in peace. The polygraph would be broken if used on such a person.

Now, this story has generated a lot of interest and reaction especially from our online journalists. The links below show that almost every online publication has reacted at least once to this story. This huge reaction, coupled with the fact that the editorial could have been written at any other time got me asking the questioning “why now”? I once heard a stand up comedian call Janet Jackson the best sister a man could have. His reasoning was that when all media attention was focused on Brother Michael Jackson for child sex abuse, Janet decided to deflect the media attention away by flashing a boob during a Super Bowl half time show on National TV and later apologizing, calling it a “wardrobe malfunction”. Ridiculous as it may sound, media attention WAS deflected from Michael’s sex scandal to Janet’s wardrobe malfunction even if it was for just a brief moment. Could the Observer’s editorial have chosen the time when The Sale of GAMTEL, The Dalasi Mystery, The Singhateh’s Saga and the International Courts issues are all “hot” topics being discussed daily by Gambians everywhere? Well if it was, then I’ll say it has achieved some success because almost every publication has dedicated a lot of time and energy on that “cyber terrorists” editorial.
I would advice our online publications to stay focused and not lose sight of the more important issues. What the Observer Editorial calls you can be simply ignored or given very little attention. Those other issues however, need as much coverage as they can get. After all, this IS the new Daily Observer we’re talking about. Lower your expectations for Observer if you have any.

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1365.shtml

Again, a mature, well-written article responding to the Observer’s accusation of Cyber Terrorism. This article, in two parts, does an in depth analysis of the current state of affairs regarding the internet, the media and the government.

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2385/Hammadi-Maasinah-takes-issues-with-Sajar-Taal-over-Daily-Observers-stinking-editorial/Default.aspx

“…you DR DRUNKARD TAAL…” - ” Not surprisingly, Freedomnewspaper's Hammadi Maasinah resorts to name calling and personal insults on Observer’s Dr. Saja Taal.

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2393/The-Real-Cyber-Terrorists/Default.aspx

“... a drunkard butt licker…”- Freedom’s Cassandra also resorts to name calling. I would comment more on this story but unfortunately, I don’t understand the language of the article. Yes, I may not be that smart but try explaining the following quote and see how much smarter than me you are. I kid you not, this IS a direct quote …."Infact Jammeh have repeatedly made everybody known that he is being voted in by devils and so to speak devil, because Gambians are Peace Loving and voted him in to avoid trouble as reminiscent by the big Arms that follows him during campaigns.”

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/803/Default.aspx

The Gambia Echo’s Matthew K. Jallow reacts to the Observer’s Cyber Terrorist editorial.

http://www.allgambian.net/NewsDetails.aspx?id=75

All Gambian’s Sarjo Banyang and Ebrima Ceesay react to Observer’s Editorial.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CHIEFS

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/804/Breaking-News-From-The-Gambia.aspx

Ok, excuse my sense of humor but I found this story wickedly funny. I know how serious this issue is for Gambia but it just reminds me of when a kid gets beat up at the playground, he goes home and calls his older brother only for the big brother to get beat up too!!!

On a serious note though, the story reports on Amnesty International officials being arrested while on a mission to investigate the disappearance of Kaniba Kanyi and Rambo Jatta since last year. Gambians everywhere are buying ski masks to try and hide the embarrassment caused by our government's behavior.

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/813/Dictator-Jammeh-Bows-Down-To-Pressure.aspx - This article is a follow up to the above one and brings a small sigh of relief to Gambians everywhere to learn that the arrested Amnesty International Officials had been released (on bail). Ski masks are still in short supply.

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/811/Breaking-News-D45Millions-Missing-At-GPTC.aspx

Again The Gambia Echo promises and fails to deliver. This story hints “D45 Million missing at GPTC.” It says Police investigations are ongoing and a report will be filed to Jammeh. The Echo promises that "Detailed story on Tuesday afternoon!”. I’m writing this article at 3am on Thursday and there still has been no detailed story. Echo, again, “gorr cha kaddom”.

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2377.htm

The Point reports on a shortage of foreign exchange in the country. President Jammeh places blame and threatens businessmen who are “hoarding” foreign currency with the hopes that the dalasi will depreciate in the near future. Well, EUREKA!!! Or, as the little preppy American kids say, “duhhhh”. It’s simple macro economics, when people don’t know what’s going on because no one is explaining it, they SPECULATE. There needs to be constant, honest and open communication between the central bank, the finance ministry and the chamber of commerce, filtering down to the masses especially when “miracles” are taking place. (Well, sorry but I have no other adjective for how the dalasi so suddenly appreciated against all other major foreign currencies in the last two months). I would recommend for our officials at the central bank, finance and other government offices go read up on the Asian Financial Crisis of the mid to late 90s. If they have any doubts, it will clarify the effects speculation can have on any economy, no matter how strong. Here’s a simple equation for government regarding the economy…NO INFORMATION = SPECULATION = POTENTIAL DISASTER

http://senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=1936

Beware of Anonymous Blogs

I conclude with this piece from Senegambia News warning readers to beware of anonymous blogs. Hmmm, I wonder which “anonymous blog” they’re referring to!!!

Anyway, I thank them for the warning but I’d much rather pay attention to the content of a blog than the anonymity of the writer. I want to get as much information as possible, be it from anonymous blogs, angry journalists or vengeful editors. It gives me different opinions and I can choose what’s worth my time. How’s that as food for thought?

TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, PROBITY; Louis Friend Reviews News for Week ending October 3rd

NOTE: Sorry I’ve been away for a while and was unable to complete last week’s reviews. Anyway, since this is a blog, I figured I’ll just give the incomplete work as is for anyone interested. You’ll notice for example that GAMTEL is not discussed in the article as promised in the introduction. So much has happened since this draft making me hold off on completing this piece. I hope to cover the issues in other articles at different times in the future. THIS IS JUST A DRAFT and an idea as to how this writer writes.

This week’s review is mainly focused on what I understand to be the 3 most important concerns facing Gambians. My assumption for their importance is based on discussions I’ve had with Gambians and friends of the Gambia as well as the fact that our newspapers, both print and electronic, have been full of stories about these topics. The three topics are the myths surrounding the Suddenly Appreciating Dalasi against other currencies including the US Dollar, The recent Sale of GAMTEL and Security Concerns stemming from the recent removal of the Singhateh Brothers. Those of us who are old enough to remember 1994 still have constant re echos of transparency, accountability and probity. These jargons, we were promised, would be “the new order of the day”. Hmm, I wonder how the writer of those speeches feels now!!!

DALASI MYTH

http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2367/PANORAMA-with-Bulfaaleh-Bulfaalehs-meet-The-Gambians-tour-The-dalasis-myth-experts-speak-bad-days-ahead/Default.aspx -

Freedom Newspaper’s “Bulfaaleh” predicts “bad days ahead” due to the appreciating dalasi. According to them, they spoke to about four experts. The problem is that none of the four “experts” made any sensible analysis. They just did what any “non-expert” would/could easily do…blame Jammeh. All they tell us is that commodity prices have not gone down to correspond with the strengthening dalasi as economic principles dictate. (See next link for explanation). Bulfaaleh also continues to threaten to keep revealing Jammeh’s “secrets”.

http://www.gambianow.com/news/Business/Gambia-News-Currency-Market-Still-Volatile.html

A more responsible and better piece of journalism in this article which speaks to Mr Mam Cherno Jallow, CEO of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce. Unlike the one above, this “expert” is identifiable and respectable due to his position and qualification. He clarifies, as common both common sense and basic economics dictate that prices cannot be expected to drop immediately. It will take a bit of time because stocks of goods were bought at the old weaker dalasi prices and they are gradually depleted and replaced with stock bought at the new stronger dalasi. Mr. Jallow also shows touches on who is helped and who is hurt by an appreciating currency.

I expected “experts” to give us explanations as to the causes of the sudden change, how it affects the Gambian economy and people and possible solutions as well as possible predictions.

Both of the above articles failed to adequately answer the questions Gambians are dying to have answered.

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1326.shtml

In this article, The West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), which is trying to introduce a single currency under a monetary union of The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia, “applauds the Gambia’s economic performance”. According to their study, The Gambia has achieved sustained economic growth since 2003 and that it has met three of the four criteria.

This article also fails to adequately answer the obvious answers the story will raise for readers. For example, what are these criteria? When was this study conducted? What is WAMI’s view on the rapidly appreciating Dalasi?

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1320.shtml Bamba Saho, Central Bank Governor’s explanation. Below is perhaps the best analysis of the dalasi mystery I’ve seen so far.

“In most other countries, such an appreciation in the national currency would be sufficient cause for celebration. The only people who might not join the dance would have been exporters, since a currency appreciation would make their products less competitive in the world market. But what we are seeing in The Gambia today appears to be a different matter all together. Instead of jubilating for the appreciation of our national currency, many of us are left with doubt, skepticism and sometimes disappointment. One thing is that people tend to see that there is too artificial an air around the whole affair. Then there is the fact that the appreciation is not matched with corresponding reduction in prices of basic goods, over seventy-five percent of which are imported. And also, over seas Gambians and their home-based family members appear to be the biggest losers in the currency appreciation. More dollars, euros and pound sterling must now be sent to meet the cost of bills of families and dependants waiting at home, hence the need for an explanation. Why has the price of imported goods gone down with the reverse proportion of the slide of foreign currencies? How sustainable is the appreciation, how long will it last? What if a slump is just round the corner? How strong are the risks posed by volatile international oil prices, fluctuating world groundnut export prices, rising global aggregate demand and their possible “knock on” effect on general prices? As if to demonstrate the suspected artificiality of rise in the strength of the dalasi, consumer price index has been rising to 9.7% under the same period, severely hitting the pockets of the poor and the public in general. Instead of improving the lot of the poor by bringing down prices, the appreciation of the dalasi is spelling harder times for people.”

Dalasi Mystery – I would have loved to see one of our online journalists interview legitimate stakeholders…international economists etc who have an idea what’s going on and won’t be scared to speak their mind, analysts, businesses it affects in Gambia like hotel owners who make deals months in advance, ordinary Gambians receiving remittances from abroad, Gambians sending remittances home etc. time of Hajj, Ramadan and Koriteh. These are all people who are directly affected by the crazy exchange rates and have a lot to say.

NATIONAL SECURITY

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/785/Default.aspx

Here Sam Sarr talks about how this is the right time to get rid of Jammeh. Mr. Sarr rightly points out how officials have a habit of being economical with information to Gambians. His own book, as pointed out by Professor Saine in other articles, failed to clarify certain questions about his activities during his time with the Jammeh government that Gambians would like to know.

“In my speculative mind therefore, I have many times changed my opinion to where I have narrowed it down to two possibilities.”

As usual, the article ends up straying into another rant about how evil Singhateh is. I have read enough of Mr. Sarr’s articles to know this was not straying by mistake. It is a well planned and executed piece to capture Gambians’ attention while not making his contempt for Singhateh so obvious while at the same time trying to break up Jammeh’s strength and hold on power.

MISCELLANEOUS

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1325.shtml DDT or DEATH

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2346.htm - Jones/Ceesay trial

http://www.gambianow.com/news/General/Gambia-News-Prosecution-Given-Ultimatum-in-Ex-KMC-Mayors-Case.html

http://www.thegambiajournal.com/artman/publish/article_1338.shtml Office of the president makes an announcement that Gambians don’t need permission to order Cement. It took you long enough!! I still remember GACEM cement costing 30 dalasis per bag before gaining monopoly and increasing to over 350 dalasis per bag.

http://www.allgambian.net/NewsDetails.aspx?id=58

PK Jarju, who called for a military take over in Gambia is trying to analyze the current state of affairs. PK, Britain did not “slap a travel ban”…it was a “travel advisory”…there’s a huge difference between the two.

“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